« 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


Paul  LI 


-»nci  »«.rs. 
Peripord 


SERMON    PLANS. 


ROKHAMFTON1: 
PRINTED    BY   JOHN  'GRIFFIN. 


J 


FIVE-HUNDRED 


SERMON  PLANS 


Rev.  George  S.  Howe. 


Benziger. 
1903. 


vi 


PREFACE. 


.< 
~)  THE  favourable  reception  given  to  the  "  Catechist "" 

a  few  years  ago  led  the  writer  to  think,  that  possibly 
a  collection  of  plans  for  Sermons  on  the  same  lines 
might  not  be  unacceptable,  while  a  number  of  corres- 
pondents who  took  an  interest  in  the  former  also 
suggested  the  latter :  hence  the  present  volume. 

No  doubt,  each  priest  has  his  own  method  of 
putting  his  subject  before  his  people,  and  any  other 
may  prove  awkward  for  him.  Too  much,  therefore, 
must  not  be  expected  from  such  a  work  as  this.. 
Failures  among  sermon  books  are  notorious ;  yet, 
may  it  not  sometimes  be  that  the  failure  lies  rather 
with  the  users  than  with  the  authors  of  such  books  ? 

In  spite  of  this  danger,  however,  the  writer 
ventures  to  put  forth  this  further  effort  to  aid  his 
brother  priests,  who  have  not  always  much  time  for 
preparation,  and  especially  the  younger  and  inex- 
perienced among  them,  by  laying  before  them  outlines 
of  sermons  drawn  up  ready  to  hand. 

The  principle  followed  has  been,  first  of  all,  to 
give  a  brief  introduction,  and  then  to  present  two  or 


vi  PREFACE 

three  leading  thoughts  on  the  subject  chosen  ;  under 
each  of  these  main  points,  subdivisions  are  given, 
so  as  to  present  to  the  mind  an  orderly  scheme  of 
development  on  the  Virtue,  the  Vice,  or  the  Truth 
in  question,  containing  references  to  Holy  Scripture, 
along  with  examples  therefrom,  as  well  as  from  the 
lives  of  the  Saints,  thus  forming  a  series  of  sugges- 
tions for  the  preacher.  Some  of  them  may  be  found 
more  lengthy  than  is  always  expedient  for  a  single 
discourse  ;  but  each  one  can  take  that  only  which 
suits  him  best,  clothing  and  developing  the  thoughts 
according  to  circumstances. 

In  order  that  the  eye  may  assist  the  mind,  each 
sermon  is  so  printed  in  its  various  types,  etc.  on  two 
pages  facing  each  other,*  that  its  plan  and  contents 
may  be  seen  entire  at  a  glance,  without  the  interrup- 
tion caused  by  turning  over  a  leaf. 

Some  deprecate  the  practice  of  announcing  the 
divisions  of  a  sermon  to  the  people.  Yet,  if  the  chief 
points,  two  or  three  at  most,  are  made  known  at  the 
beginning,  will  this  not  aid  the  hearers  in  following 
more  easily?  and  will  not  such  a  practice  help  to 
keep  the  speaker  to  the  point,  and  to  avoid  his 
wandering  into  generalities  ?  It  is  the  old-fashioned 
custom,  and  must  enable  the  audience  to  follow  more 
methodically,  and  then,  to  remember  more  easily 
what  has  been  said. 

To  make  ourselves  clear  to  others,  we  must  have 

*  Owing  to   this,   it  was  found  necessary,  during  the  process  of 
printing,  to  curtail  somewhat  a  few  of  the  Plans. 


PREFACE  vii 

clear  ideas  in  our  own  minds,  otherwise  we  are  apt 
to  become  inaccurate,  faulty  in  memory,  then  con- 
fused ;  hence  the  chartlike  form  in  which  these  Plans 
are  presented,  as  more  likely  to  fix  them  in  the 
memory.  Yet  no  outline  of  thoughts  will  be  of 
much  use  to  a  preacher,  unless  he  first  make  them 
his  own  by  impressing  his  own  mind  upon  them. 
Ideas  are  more  easy  to  remember  than  words  ;  if 
the  former,  as  here  presented,  are  made  to  sink  into 
the  mind,  words  will  hardly  fail  to  follow.  The 
chief  hindrance  to  facility  of  speech  is  the  want  of 
thinking.  We  are  apt  to  appropriate  other  men's 
thoughts  by  the  memory  only,  instead  of  making 
them  our  own,  through  meditation  and  study ; 
and  the  people  are  not  slow  to  feel  whether  a 
preacher  is  speaking  as  from  himself,  or  only  through 
his  lips. 

Every  true  sermon  is  intended  to  effect  some 
good,  and  not  merely  to  be  listened  to  ;  it  will  fail 
of  its  purpose,  unless  it  make  some  truth  more  clear 
and  certain  to  those  who  hear  it,  or  explain  and 
enforce  some  duty.  To  this  end,  the  priest  must 
be  in  earnest,  and  make  the  matter  his  own  by 
careful  thought  and  preparation.  Unless  he  prepare 
beforehand  what  he  wishes  to  say,  he  will  throw  out 
statements  at  random,  and  utter  propositions  that 
are  inexact,  perhaps  even  erroneous,  while  he  may 
easily  wander  into  three  or  four  different  subjects, 
to  the  great  bewilderment  and  weariness  of  the 
people. 


viii  PREFACE 

These  Plans  are  designed  to  aid  the  preacher  in 
keeping  before  his  mind  the  chief  ideas  of  his  subject, 
which  he  must  think  out  for  himself,  and  then  develop 
in  suitable  expression.  Thus  they  will  not  relieve 
him  of  all  preparation,  when  he  has  time  and  oppor- 
tunity for  it,  but  may  give  him  much  assistance  in 
his  labour.  It  has  been  truly  said,  that  the  more  it 
costs  the  preacher  to  prepare,  the  less  it  costs  the 
audience  to  listen,  and  vice  versa.  This  should  indeed 
be  a  spur  to  action.  It  is  hoped  the  Plans,  with  their 
divisions  and  texts  and  illustrations,  may  be  a  help 
towards  avoiding  emptiness  of  thought  and  matter, 
or  verbosity  in  expression.  Some  of  them  may 
perhaps  seem  commonplace  in  subject  or  design  ;  yet 
in  this  country,  we  require  simple  and  earnest 
instruction,  "the  studiousness  of  a  simple  and 
apostolic  preaching,"  as  Father  Faber  puts  it,  and 
much  that  may  seem  commonplace  may  be  of 
extreme  practical  importance. 

S.  Ignatius  is  said  to  have  had  a  horror  of  long 
sermons ;  these  sketches  are  intended  to  occupy 
perhaps  some  twenty  or  twenty-five  minutes,  which 
will  usually  be  found  enough  for  a  morning  service. 

It  is  well  to  take  generally  a  low  estimate  of  the 
intelligence  and  knowledge  of  our  audience ;  this 
will  guard  us  against  speaking  over  their  heads,  make 
us  aim  at  simplicity  of  thought  and  diction,  and 
lead  us  to  repeat  our  explanations,  if  necessary,  the 
better  to  secure  their  reception. 

At  the  foot  of  many  of  the  Plans,  an  example,  a 


PREFACE  ix 

comparison,  or  a  fact  from  the  lives  of  the  Saints  is 
given,  by  way  of  putting  into  concrete  form  the 
lesson  referred  to  in  the  text.  It  is  exceedingly 
desirable  to  adopt  such  a  practice  for  every  instruc- 
tion, where  possible,  giving  the  example  a  reasonable 
development.  This  serves  to  lighten  the  subject,  to 
rivet  attention,  and  to  impress  our  teaching  on  the 
mind.  This  was  one  of  the  features  in  the  discourses 
of  S.  Gregory  the  Great  —  an  endless  store  of 
examples.  If  these  can  sometimes  be  taken  from 
local  circumstances,  they  will  be  all  the  more  pleasing 
and  effective. 

It  is  not  sufficient  to  leave  the  instruction  to 
produce  its  own  fruit,  and  it  is  a  mistake  to  trust  to 
hearts  and  consciences  to  make  the  application  of 
what  has  been  said.  We  must  endeavour  to  do  this, 
putting  the  lesson  into  definite  form  for  use  in  daily 
life.  Hence,  at  the  end  of  each  plan,  two  or  three 
practical  lessons  are  suggested,  of  which  one  or  more 
may  be  given  by  way  of  conclusion  to  the  sermon. 
They  will  help  to  concentrate  and  sum  up  what  has 
been  said,  and  serve  as  the  spiritual  nosegay  which, 
holy  writers  suggest,  we  should  always  bring  away 
from  our  meditations. 

It  is  well  to  especially  prepare  the  opening 
sentence  or  two  of  a  discourse,  and  still  more  to 
make  sure  of  an  effective  close  ;  the  former  will  give 
confidence  to  the  speaker,  by  making  a  good  begin- 
ning, while  the  latter  will  leave  a  good  impression  on 
his  hearers.  Some  speakers  find  themselves  in  the 


x  PREFACE 

greatest  difficulty  to  hit  upon  a  satisfactory  sentence 
to  finish  with,  and  they  are  painful  to  listen  to  as 
they  beat  about  the  bush  for  a  natural  and  simple 
ending :  a  little  previous  thought  will  spare  us  such 
a  trial. 

If  we  take  this  ordinary  care  with  our  sermons 
and  instructions,  with  prayer  to  God  for  the 
divine  blessing  on  our  work,  our  labour  herein 
can  hardly  fail  to  produce  good  fruit  in  men's 
souls. 

The  present  work  does  not  profess  to  put  forth 
original  ideas  on  the  part  of  the  writer  ;  they  are  but 
notes  and  analyses  of  the  writings  of  others,  preachers 
or  commentators,  gathered  together  and  put  into 
shape,  and  no  attempt  can  be  made  to  indicate  the 
many  sources  whence  they  have  been  drawn.  At 
first,  it  was  intended  to  give  further  sketches,  suitable 
to  a  number  of  Feasts  throughout  the  year.  This 
was  afterwards  found  to  make  the  book  too  long  and 
too  bulky,  and  the  idea  was  abandoned  ;  hence  the 
present  volume  contains  Plans  for  the  Sundays  and 
Holidays  only.  By  changing  the  text  and  modifying 
the  introductory  remarks  accordingly,  the  plan  set 
down  for  one  occasion  may  sometimes  be  found 
suitable  for  another  also. 

If  the  hopes  and  ideas  here  expressed  come  to 
anything  like  realization,  and  the  Clergy  are  in  any 
way  assisted  thereby  in  their  arduous  and  responsible 
duty  of  preaching  the  Word,  the  labour  bestowed  on 
this  volume  will  not  have  been  in  vain,  for  thus  will 


PKEFA  CE 


it  serve  to  spread  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Religion, 
which  now  more  than  ever  are  necessary  to  our 
People. 


G.  E.  H. 


Tynemouth, 

November,  1903. 


CONTENTS 


3RD  SUNDAY: 

Revenge  ..... 
Apostolic  Counsels 
The  Leprosy  of  Sin 
}  The  Advantages  of  Faith     . 

4TH  SUNDAY : 

Payment  of  Debts .  .  .  .50 

The  Decalogue       .  .  .  .52 

The  Storm,  a  type  .  .  .          298 

The  Passions          ....          300 

5TH  SUNDAY : 

Purity  of  Intention  .  .  .54 

Music  in  the  Church  .  .  .56 

The  Wheat  and  Cockle        .  .  .          302 

Bad  Company        ....          304 

6iH  SUNDAY : 

Prayer  for  each  other  .  .  .58 

The  Presence  of  God  .  .  .60 

Parables .....  306 

The  Mustard  seed,  a  two-fold  type     .  .          308 

SEPTUAGESIMA : 

God's  favours  to  His  People  .  .  62 

/  The  three  Enemies  of  the  Soul  .  .  64 

The  Call  to  God's  Service    .  .  .  310 

Inequality  of  God's  Gifts     .  .  .  312 

SEXAGESIMA  : 

Scandal  .  .  .  .  .66 

Joy  in  tribulation  .  .  .  .68 

Hearers  of  the  Word  .  .  .          314 

Relapse  .....          316 


xvi  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

QUINQUAGESIMA: 

The  Theological  Virtues:  (Faith  and  Hope)     .  70 

„                   „                 (Charity)  .               .  72 

Spiritual  Blindness               .                .                .  318 

Self- Examination  ....  320 

IST  SUNDAY  OF  LENT: 

Abuse  of  Grace      .  .  .  .74 

"  The  acceptable  time "  .  .76 

Temptation  ....          322 

Fasting  .  .  .324 

2ND  SUNDAY: 

Sanctification  of  the  Soul     .  .  .78 

Impurity  ....  80 

The  Transfiguration  .  .  .          326 

Heaven   .....          328 

3RD  SUNDAY : 

Covetousness         .  .  .  .82 

Delusions  about  Repentance  .  .  84 

The  two  Standards  .  .  .          330 

Hearing  the  Word  .  .  .          332 

4TH  SUNDAY : 

The  Epistle  .  .  .  .86 

Freedom  of  the  Children  of  God        .  .  88 

«      Holy  Communion  ....          334 

The  Gospel  Example  .  .  .          336 

PASSION  SUNDAY: 

Christ,  our  High  Priest        .  .  .90 

Necessity  of  Sacrifice  .  .  .92 

Patience  ....          338 

Meekness  ....          340 


CONTENTS 


PALM  SUNDAY : 

The  Humility  of  Our  Lord                   .  .  94 

The  Humiliations  of  Our  Lord            .  .  96 

Our  Lord's  Sadness               .                 .  .  343 

Resignation             .                 .                 .  .  344 

GOOD  FRIDAY  : 

The  Sorrowful  Mysteries  of  the  Rosary  .  98 

The  Last  Words  on  the  Cross             .  .  too 

The  Passion  of  Our  Lord     .                 .  .  346 

Lessons  from  the  Death  of  Christ       .  .  348 

EASTER  SUNDAY : 

The  Resurrection,  a  pledge  of  triumph  .  102 

Newness  of  Life     ....  104 

The  Resurrection  ....  350 

Joy  of  the  Resurrection        .                .  .  352 


IST  SUNDAY: 

Subduing  the  passions  .  .  .           106 

The  three  Witnesses  .  .  .           108 

Observance  of  Sunday  .  .  .           354 

Qualities  of  Risen  Bodies  .  .  .          356 

2ND  SUNDAY : 

Christ's  principal  Virtues  .  .  .         .  no 

Sheep  and  men      .  .  .  .112 

The  Good  Shepherd  .  .  -358 

Unity  of  the  Church  .  .  .          360 


3RD  SUNDAY : 

The  Christian  Pilgrim           .  .  .114 

Obedience  to  Civil  Authority  .  .           116 

Confidence  in  God                 .  .  .          362 

*      The  Trials  of  Life                 .  .  .364 

b 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

4th  SUNDAY  : 

Hearing  and  speaking          .  .  .118 

Anger      .....          120 
Death      .  .  .  .  .366 

Devotion  to  the  Holy  Ghost  .  .          368 

5TH  SUNDAY: 

Calumny.                 .  .  .  .122 

Detraction              .  .  .  .124 

%  Prayer     .                .  .  .  .37° 

Qualities  of  Prayer  .  .  .          372 

ASCENSION  DAY  : 

Thoughts  on  the  Ascension  .  .  .126 

Objects  of  the  Ascension      .  .  .          128 

Heaven,  our  goal  ....          374 
The  Ascension       ....          376 

SUNDAY  WITHIN  THE  OCTAVE: 

Prudence  and  Prayer  .  .  .130 

Charity  to  others  ....  132 

Bearing  testimony  to  Christ  .  .          378 

Persecutions  of  the  Church .  .  .          380 

PENTECOST : 

The  Tongues  of  fire              .                .                .  134 

The  Holy  Ghost    ....  136 

Receiving  the  Holy  Ghost    .                .                .  382 

The  Gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost                .                .  384 

TRINITY  SUNDAY  : 

God's  Knowledge  .... 
Effects  of  our  love  of  God    . 
The  Blessed  Trinity 
Mercifulness 


CONTENTS  xix 


CORPUS  CHRISTI  : 

Communion  under  one  kind                 .                 .  142 

Bad  Communion  ....  144 

Effects  of  Holy  Communion                 .                 .  390 

The  Real  Presence                 .                 .                 .  392 

2ND  SUNDAY  AFTER  PENTECOST: 

The  World's  Hatred  .  .  .146 

Hatred    .....  148 

Excuses  against  Communion                .                 .  394 

Holy  Mass               ....  396 


3RD  SUNDAY : 

Humility.  .  .  .  .150 

Providence  ....  152 

The  Human  Soul  ....  398 

The  Sacred  Heart  .  .  .          400 

SS.  PETER  AND  PAUL  : 

The  Feast  .... 

Devotion  to  the  Holy  See  . 
Institution  of  the  Church  . 
Papal  Infallibility 

4TH  SUNDAY  AFTER  PENTECOST: 

The  trials  of  Life   .  .  .  .158 

Our  Home  in  God  .  .  .  160 

The  Pope  ....  406 

Uncertainty  of  earthly  things  .  .  408 

STH  SUNDAY : 

Christian  Unity      ....  162 

The  Presence  of  God  .  .  .  164 

The  Justice  of  the  Christian  .  .  410 

Reconciliation        .  .  .  .41:5 


CONTENTS 


6TH  SUNDAY: 

The  Effects  of  Baptism        .  .  .166 

The  Resurrection  of  the  Body  .  .          168 

Providence  .  .  .  .414 

Grounds  for  Confidence  in  God  .  .          416 

7TH  SUNDAY : 

Reparation  for  Sin  .  .  .170 

Hell         .  172 

*  Good  Works          ....          418 

The  Will  of  God    .  .  .  .420 

STH  SUNDAY : 

Mortification          ....  174 

Fear  of  God  ....  176 

The  Stewardship   ....  422 

Almsdeeds  ....  424 

QTH  SUNDAY : 

The  Brazen  Serpent  .  .  .178 

The  Epistle  .  .  .  .180 

Beauty  of  God's  House  .  .  .          426 

The  House  of  God  .  .  .          428 

IOTH  SUNDAY : 

HnUnncs  of  Life  I  182 

("  i  i  f  i     ' 

•       T 

r.iMir.n  .  430 


THE  ASSUMPTION  : 

The  Feast  .  .  .  .186 

Types  of  Mary  .  .  .  .188 

The  Feast  ....          434 

Titles  of  Mary  .  .  .436 


IITH  SUNDAY  AFTER  PENTECOST: 

j    Divine  Grace          ....  igo 

Correspondence  with  Grace                 .                 .  192 

Spiritual  Deafness  and  Dumbness     .                 .  438 

Cure  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb               .                 .  440 

I2TH  SUNDAY : 

The  Secret  Workings  of  Grace          .                .  194 

Moses,  a  type  of  Christ        .                .                .  196 

The  two-fold  Precept            .                 .                .  443 

Parable  of  the  Good  Samaritan          ..                .  444 

I3TH  SUNDAY : 

Unity  of  God         ....  198 

Promise  of  a  Redeemer       .                .                .  200 

Prayer  and  Faith  of  the  Lepers         .                .  446 

Sacramental  Confession       .                .                .  448 

I4TH  SUNDAY : 

*  The  Spiritual  Combat 

Religious  Sects       .... 

The  Study  of  Nature 

Over-solicitude      .... 

I5TH  SUNDAY: 

Bonrji-.g  opp  another's  burdens            .                 .  206 

^ap^   rt  oi  Pastors                .                 .                 .  208 

Three  kinds  of  Death           .                 .                 .  454 

Human  Lite           ....  456 

i6TH  SUNDAY: 

God,  Creator  of  all               ...  210 

Length,  etc.  of  God's  love   .                .                .  212 

Occasions  of  Sin   ....  458 

Servile  Works        .                .                .  460 


IJTH  SUNDAY: 

Exclusive  Salvation  .  .  .214 

Unity  of  Faith       .  .  .  .216 

Divinity  of  Christ ....          462 
Humanity  of  Christ  .  .  .          464 

i8TH  SUNDAY : 

Thanksgiving  and  Praise     .  .  .218 

Perseverance         ....          220 
Sloth       .  .  .  .  .466 

Indulgences  ....          468 


IQTH  SUNDAY : 

Lying       .  .  .  .  .222 

Socialism  ....          224 

Parable  of  the  Wedding  Garment      .  .          470 

Fewness  of  the  Elect  .  .  .          472 

20TH  SUNDAY: 

Time        ..... 
Drunkenness          .... 
The  Existence  of  Evil 
Venial  Sin  .... 

2isT  SUNDAY: 

Good  Angels          ....  230 

Evil  Spirits  ....  232 

Purgatory  ....  478 

Forgiveness  of  Injuries        .  .  .  480 

ALL  SAINTS  : 

The  Feast  ....  234 

„         (2)  .  236 

Fountains  of  Happiness       .  .  .  48.5 

Persecution  for  Justice        .  .  .  484 


CONTENTS 


22ND  SUNDAY  AFTER  PENTECOST  : 

The  Particular  Judgment     .  .  .  238 

Liberality  ....  240 

The  Use  of  Images,  etc.      .  .  .  486 

God  and  Cassar  488 


23RD  SUNDAY : 

Sign  of  the  Cross ....  242 

Predestination       ....  244 

Three  degrees  of  Spiritual  Death      .  .  490 

Devotion  to  the  Holy  Souls  .  .  492 


24TH  SUNDAY : 

Good  Works          ....  246 

Our  knowledge  of  God        .  .  .  248 

Signs  preceding  the  Last  Judgment  .  .  494 

-t   The  Cross  of  Christ  .  .  .  496 


SERMON     PLANS 


I. 

ON    THE    EPISTLES. 


SERMON  PLANS 


1.    WORK    FOR   ADVENT. 
"It  is  now  the  hour  to  rise  from  sleep."  Rom.  xiii.  n. 

i.  To-day  begins  a  new  ecclesiastical  year, 
ii.  The  four  weeks  of  Advent  are  a  time  of  preparation 

for  Christmas,  as  God  took  some  4,000  years  to 

prepare  men  for  the  Messiah. 
iii.  Consider  the  words  of  the   Epistle,  this  time  of 

consideration. 

Rise  from  sleep : 

i.  Sleep  of  the  soul  is  the  neglect  of  the  things  of  God. 
ii.  In  the  past  we  have  perhaps  been  remiss :  for, 

a.  We  are  all  prone  to  fall  from  our  first  fervour. 

b.  We  all  need  to  be  roused  to  redoubled  piety, 
iii.  It  is  well  therefore  to  examine  the  past :  e.g. 

a.  Our  thoughts,  words  and  deeds. 

b.  Our  spiritual  duties. 

c.  The  duties  of  our  state  in  life. 

d.  The  quantity  and  quality  of  our  reading. 

e.  The  debts  and  liabilities  we  have  incurred. 
/.  Any  evil  habits  contracted. 

iv.  Our  sins,  of  whatever  kind,  must  not  discourage  us. 

This   is   not  the  idea  of  the  Apostle  :    on    the 

contrary, 
v.  We  must  endeavour  this  holy  season  to  begin  again, 

with  fresh  zeal  and  courage, 
vi.  God's  grace  to  this  end  will  not  fail,  if  duly  sought. 

Works  of  darkness : 

i.  Wicked  deeds  that  cannot  bear  the  light  of  day. 
ii.  Sins  that  bring  shame,  suited  only  to  the  darkness. 
iii.  How  terrible  and  how  frequent  are  such  evils:  e.g. 
The  crime  of  Cain  :  Gen.  iv.  8. 
The  sin  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrha  :  Gen.  xviii.  20. 
The  sin  of  Achab :  3  Kgs.  xxi. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES 


iv.  We  should  now  pray  for  mercy,  lest  such  crimes 
bring  down  God's  anger  on  the  world. 

v.  Even  our  own  lesser  sins  are  darkness  before  God. 
Advent  is  a  time  for  reflection  and  repentance. 

The  armour  of  Light:  viz. 
i.  Living  Faith  :  shown  in 

a.  Obedience  to  God's  will:  Mth.  vii.  21. 

b.  Works  of  mercy  :  Mth.  xxv.  40. 

c.  Victory  over  the  world :  i  Jn.  v.  4. 
ii.  Grace: 

a.  Habitual  grace,  the  supernatural  life  of  the 

soul. 

b.  Increased  by  worthy  reception  of  the  Sacra- 

ments. 

c.  If  lost,  regained  by  repentance, 
iii.  The  Christian  Virtues  :  e.g. 

a.  The  Theological  Virtues. 

b.  The  Cardinal  Virtues. 

c.  The  Virtues  opposed  to  the  capital  sins. 

Lessons : 

i.  See  here  matter  for  reflection  during  Advent, 
ii.  Repent  now  of  past  sloth  and  indifference, 
iii.  Take  the  Apostle's  advice  and  put  on  the  Lord 

Jesus  Christ.* 

iv.  Prepare  your  hearts  for  His  coming  at  Christmas- 
time. 

v.  Think  of  the  Judgment  Day  (to-day's  Gospel), 
when  He  will  again  come,  not  in  mercy,  but  in 
justice.  Ecclus.  vii.  40. 


*  It  was  this  very  portion  of  S.  Paul's  Epistle  that  S.  Augustine 
happened  one  day  to  light  upon,  as  he  opened  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
and  the  words  made  such  an  impression  on  him  as  led  finally  to 
his  conversion  to  God. — Confessions,  viii. 


SERMON  PLANS 


2.     MORTAL  SIN. 

"  Cast  off  the  works  of  darkness."    Rom.  xiii.  12. 

i.  Works  of  darkness  mean  mortal  sin  of  any  kind, 
ii.  S.  Paul  here  bids  us  to  abandon  sin. 
iii.  To  avoid  it  in  future,  consider  now  some  effects  of 
mortal  sin. 

Mortal  Sin :  any  grievous  offence  against  the  Law  of  God. 

i.  Kills  the  soul : 

a.  Depriving   it  of    its  supernatural   life — divine 

grace. 

b.  Though   the    sinner    may  still    appear  living, 

working,  etc. 
ii.  Cancels  past  merit : 

a.  As    plainly   stated    by   the   prophet    Ezechiel, 

xviii.  24. 
Albert  the  Great's  mechanism.* 

b.  Yet  when  sin  is  pardoned,  Merit  probably  revives, 
iii.  Renders  us  incapable  of  meriting  meanwhile : 

a.  Even  miracles,  without  Charity,  avail  not  for 

Heaven  :  i  Cor.  xiii.  2. 

b.  Yet   good   works   done   in   sin   should   not   be 

omitted,  for  they  may  lead  to  repentance  : 
The  penance  of  Achab :  3  Kgs.  xxi.  29. 
The  prayer  of  Manasses:  2  Par.  xxxiii.  13. 
iv.  Deserves  Hell  through  its  malice : 

a.  Pain  of  sense,  for  the  Body,  in  every  limb. 

b.  Pain  of  loss,  in  the  Soul. 

c.  All  for  all  eternity  ! 

v.  Involves  temporal  punishment,  even  when  forgiven, 
vi.  Yet,  however  great,  may  always  receive  pardon,  on 
repentance. 


Conditions,  that  sin  may  be  mortal : 

i.  Grave  matter :  e.g. 

a.  In  itself :  murder,  large  theft. 

b.  In  the  purpose  of  the  Law :  Communion  after 

food. 

c.  In  its  circumstances :  small  theft  from  a  poor 

person, 
ii.  Knowledge  and  advertence : 

But  wilful  ignorance  does  not  excuse, 
iii.  Full  consent  to  the  act,  or  to  the  occasion  of  it. 
Saul  at  S.  Stephen's  death  :  Acts.  vii.  57. 

Lessons : 

i.  Resolve  against  so  great  an  evil  as  mortal  sin :  by 

a.  Daily  prayer  for  strength. 

b.  Frequent  reception  of  the  Sacraments. 

c.  Resisting  the  beginnings  of  temptation. 

ii.  Advent  is  a  time  of  prayer  and  meditation ;  hence, 

a.  Think  now  of  the  terrible  evil  of  mortal  sin. 

b.  Seek  instruction  in  Christian  Doctrine, 
iii.  Advent  is  also  a  time  for  penance :  hence, 

a.  Atone  for  sin  by  works  of  penance  and  mortifi- 

cation. 

b.  Observe  the  laws  of  Fasting  and  Abstinence. 

c.  Deny    yourself    some    pleasure,    even    though 

lawful  in  itself. 

iv.  The  more  we  enter  into  this  spirit  of  Advent,  the 
greater  will  be  our  joys  and  graces  at  Christmas- 
tide. 

*  Albert  the  Great  spent  thirty  years  in  making  a  wonderful 
piece  of  work— a  human  figure,  which,  by  means  of  certain  contri- 
vances, was  made  to  speak  and  act  as  though  alive.  He  thought  to 
give  a  surprise  to  a  friend,  by  showing  him  the  mechanism  in 
action.  The  latter,  on  seeing  the  figure  move  and  speak  so  natur- 
ally, full  of  a  strange  fear,  seized  a  piece  of  wood  beside  him  and 
instantly  broke  the  work  to  pieces.  "  Stop,"  cried  Albert,  too  late. 
"  What  have  you  done  ?  Thirty  years  have  I  laboured  to  bring 
that  work  to  perfection,  and  in  a  single  instant  you  have  destroyed 
it !  " — So  does  one  mortal  sin  cancel  the  merits  of  a  lifetime. 


SERMON  PLANS 


3.    SPIRITUAL   READING. 

"  What  things  soever  were  written,  were  written  for  our  learning." 
Rom.  xv.  4. 

i.  This  text  implies  the  duty  of  reading  the  Scriptures, 
ii.    Hereby    is    inculcated    the    principle    of    Spiritual 
Reading  generally.    A  most  effective  aid  in  making 
our  lives  truly  spiritual. 

Importance  of  Spiritual  Reading : 

i.  We  all  need  instruction,  though   perhaps  thinking 
we  know  enough.     Hence, 

a.  In  the  Old  Law,  the  Scriptures  were  daily  read 

in  the  Synagogue. 

b.  In  the  New  Law,  the  Epistles  and  Gospels  are 

"  written  for  our  learning." 

c.  S.  Paul  advised   his  disciple  to  read :    i   Tim. 

iv.  13. 
ii.  Spiritual  Reading  is  listening  to  the  voice  of  God 

Himself, 
iii.  The  Fathers  of  the  Church  inculcate  its  necessity : 

c,g.  S.  Athanasius,*  S.  Jerome. t 

iv.  Founders  of  religious  Orders  all  agree  in  requiring  it. 
v.  The  common  practice  of  holy  persons  in  the  world. 

Advantages : 

i.  We  cannot  at  all  times  hear  sermons,  but  can  always 

read  a  book, 
ii.  Words  of  a  sermon  may  pass  away  or  escape  us ; 

but,  with  a  book,  we  can  pause,  or  read  again, 
iii.  Books  speak  to  all  alike,  without  respect  of  persons, 

or  fear  of  offence, 
iv.  Books   give   us   the  companionship   of   Saints  and 

Doctors :    whose  sanctioned  words  have  fed  and 

formed  souls  to  God. 
v.  It  gives  purity,  tranquillity,  nourishment  and  strength 

to  the  soul. 

vi.  A  wonderful  influence  to  encouragement  and  perse- 
verance.    Conversion  of  S.  Ignatius:  Jly.  31  ;  and 

S.  Augustine :  Aug.  28. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES 


Method : 

i.  Read  slowly. 

a.  Not  hurriedly,  like  a  storybook,  for  pleasure;  but, 

b.  Dwelling  on  parts  that  concern  us,  or  affect  us. 

Food  does  good,  only  when  duly  digested, 
ii.  Make  an  occasional  ejaculation,  while  reading. 

Thus  turning  it  into  real  prayer, 
iii.  Little  at  a  time  : 

a.  To  remember  better  what  is  read. 

b.  To  make  practical  application  of  it. 

c.  Often  the  same  book,  if  found  profitable. 

S.    Francis    of    Sales    read    the    "  Spiritual 

Combat  "  for  20  years  ! 

iv.  Above  all,  seek  God  therein,  not  mere  information  or 
pleasure. 

Which  Books? 

i.  Holy  Scripture,  especially  the  Epistles  and  Gospels. 
As  so  many  letters  from  our  Father,  and  our 
true  Home. 

a.  With  a  desire  of  spiritual  progress. 

b.  In  the  spirit  of  humility. 

c.  In  submission  to  the  Church's  interpretation, 
ii.  The  "  Imitation  of  Christ." 

Containing  sweetness,  like  the  manna,  for  every 

condition  of  soul, 
iii.  Books  of  religious  Instruction. 

So  necessary  in  these  our  days, 
iv.  Lives  of  the  Saints  and  Martyrs  : 

Example  is  the  best  exhortation  to  sluggish  human 
nature. 

Lessons : 

i.  Regularly,  every  Sunday   at   least,   some   Spiritual 

Reading, 
ii.  Procure  suitable  books  occasionally,  especially  for 

children's  sake, 
iii.  Lead  these  to  adopt  the  practice  in  their  early  years. 

*  "  You  will  see  no  one  truly  intent  on  God's  service,  who  is  not 
also  given  to  reading." — Exhort,  ad  Relig. 

t  "  Let  sleep  come  upon  you  with  a  book  in  your  hand,  and  let 
the  Holy  Scriptures  receive  your  declining  head." — Ad  Enstoch. 


SERMON  PLANS 


4.     HOPE. 
"That  you  may  abound  in  Hope."     Rom.  xv.  13. 

Hope: 

i.  One  of  the  theological  virtues,  by  which  the  soul 

apprehends  God. 
ii.  Firm  trust  that  God  will  give  us  all  things  necessary 

to  salvation,  if  we  do  what  He  requires  of  us. 
iii.  Virtue    necessary    to    salvation,  belonging    only   to 
this  life. 

a.  If  we  do  not  hope,  we  shall  not  ask  and  shall 

not  receive. 

b.  In  Heaven,  we  do  not  expect,  but  possess  and 

enjoy  God. 

Motives  for  Hope : 
i.  The  COMMAND  of  God : 

"Trust  in  Him,  all  ye  congregation  of  people."    Ps.  Ixi.  9. 
"  Have  confidence  in  the  Lord  with  all  thy  heart."  Prov.  iii.  5. 
"  Hope  in  thy  God  always."    Osee  xii.  2. 

ii.  The  GOODNESS  of  God  : 

a.  Who  is  willing  and  desirous  to  help. 

b.  Shown  forth  so  often  in  the  past :  e.g. 

1.  Our   Creation   and    Redemption    and    all 

spiritual  Graces. 

2.  Temporal  blessings  without  number. 

c.  A  pledge  therefore  of  mercies  yet  to  come, 
iii.  The  POWER  of  God  : 

a.  Who  is  able  to  help  and  can   do  all  things: 

Mth.  xix.  26. 

b.  Examples  of  such  power  : 

The  Creation  and  Preservation  of  the  Universe. 
The  protection  of  Daniel,  and  of  the  three 
children :  Dan.  vi.  iii. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES 


iv.  The  FIDELITY  of  God,  who  will  help  us. 

"  Because  he  hoped  in  Me,  I  will  deliver  him."    Ps.  xc.  14. 
"  God  is  faithful."     I  Cor.  i.  9. 

v.  Our  own  ADVANTAGES  :  for,  those  who  hope, 

a.  Gain  greater  light  to  see  the  Truth. 

b.  Receive  special  strength  in  trial. 

Example  of  the  ivy.* 

c.  Have  aptitude  for  the  gifts  of  Heaven. 

Qualities  of  Hope :  it  must  be 

i.  Firm  :  because  of  these  motives. 

David  against  Goliath :  i  Kgs.  xvii.  37,  45. 

Bl.  Thomas  More  to  his  daughter,  f 
ii.   Unlimited :  in  all  we  need  for  soul  or  body. 

Our  Lady,  at  the  marriage-feast :  Jn.  ii.  5. 
iii.  Submissive :    resigned,  should  God  defer  our  petition. 

Job  a  model  of  trust  in  God:  xiii.  15. 

Lessons : 

i.  Ask  God  to  strengthen  your  Hope. 

ii.  Consider  sometimes  the  grounds  on  which  it  rests. 

iii.  Make  an  act  of  Hope  each  day. 

iv.  In  all  your  difficulties,  appeal  at  once  to  God ;  for, 

v.  God  will  work  within  us,  according  to  the  hopes  we 
place  in  Him. — 5.  Bernd. 


*  Ivy  naturally  seeks  a  trunk,  or  a  wall,  to  cling  to  and  climb 
upwards  :  so  human  nature,  poor  and  needing  all  things,  seeks  the 
protection  and  help  of  God. 

t  "  I  will  never  doubt  the  goodness  of  God,  no  matter  how 
weak  I  feel.  Even  if  through  fear  I  were  to  fall,  as  Peter  did,  I 
would  still  hope  in  God  ;  I  would  ask  Him  to  look  on  me  with 
mercy  and  raise  me  up  again,  to  confess  once  more  His  truth." 


10  SERMON  PLANS 


5.     JOY   IN   THE   LORD. 
"  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  always."     Phil.  iv.  4. 

i.  Holy  writers  insist  on  joy  in  the  service  of  God. 
ii.  The  Saints  have  ever  put  this  advice  into  practice, 
iii.  Let  us  also  consider  this  spirit  of  gladness  and  joy. 

Importance : 

i.  Greater  than  is  sometimes  imagined  ;  for, 

Joy  of  heart  is  no  small  help  in  Religion, 
ii.  Shown    by   frequent   references   in   Scripture:    e.g. 

"  Be  glad  in  the  Lord  and  rejoice."  Ps.  xxxi.  ii. 
"Serve  ye  the  Lord  with  gladness."  Ps.  xcix.  2. 
"  Nothing  is  better  than  for  a  man  to  rejoice  in  his  work." 

Eccles.  iii.  12. 
"Again  I  say,  rejoice."     Phil.  iv.  4. 

iii.  Shown  in  the  spirit  of  the  Church,  bidding  us  joy, 

a.  In  Advent,  time  of  penance : 

Alleluia,  throughout  the  Office. 
Gaudete,  Introit  of  the  third  Sunday. 

b.  In  Lent  even,  the  season  of  sorrow : 

Latare,  Introit  of  the  fourth  Sunday. 

c.  In  Funerals: 

Bencdicitc,  Benedictns,  or  Laudatc  Dominum. 

Examples  from  the  lives  of  the  Saints : 

S.  Francis  of  Sales,  in  his  daily  life,  and  writings: 

Jan.  29. 

S.  Ignatius  urged  his  disciples  to  gladness :  Jly.  31- 
S.  Jerome,  in  the  midst  of  his  austerities :  Spt.  30. 
Religious  who  have  left  all  things  for  God. 
Josaphat  and  the  Leper.* 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  II 

Motives : 

i.  Joy  is  conducive  to  God's  glory. 

a.  A   prince   is  honoured  by  the  alacrity  of  his 

attendants. 
So  is  God  glorified  by  our  cheerful  service. 

b.  We  shall  obey  cheerfully,  if  we  have  joy  in  the 

heart. 

c.  Our  joy  will  draw  others  to  serve  God. 

ii.  Joy  perfects  our  work,  and  is  pleasing  to  God. 

a.  God  loves  a  cheerful  giver :  2  Cor.  ix.  7. 

b.  As  we  also  do,  and  value  the  manner  of  a  gift. 
iii.  Joy  is  a  help  to  perseverance : 

What  we  undertake  with  gladness,  we  willingly 
continue. 

Means  to  it : 

i.  Holiness  of  life  and  purity  of  conscience.  Ecclus.  i.  12. 

ii.  Humility  and  meekness.     Mth.  xi.  29. 
iii.  Resignation  to  the  Divine  Will : 

Taking  all  as  from  God's  hands,  we  are  happy, 
iv.  Mortification  and  self-denial.     Mth.  v.  5. 

Lessons : 

i.  Strive  after  joy  of  heart,  through  these  means, 
ii.  Pray  the  Holy  Ghost  for  His  spirit  of  Joy. 
iii.  Cultivate  it,  as  a  powerful  aid,  both  in  spirituals  and 

temporals. 
A  foretaste  here  of  eternal  joy  hereafter. 


*  Prince  Josaphat,  hunting  in  a  wood,  suddenly  heard  a  voice 
singing  sweetly,  and  was  surprised  to  find  it  that  of  a  leper  almost 
dying,  who  said:  "For  forty  years  my  soul  has  been  confined  in 
this  body,  now  falling  to  pieces,  as  you  see.  My  soul  will  soon  be 
able  to  wing  its  flight  to  God  and  His  kingdom,  and  I  sing  with 
delight,  at  the  very  thought." — Mrs.  Herbert. 


ii  SERMON  PLANS 


6.     THE   PEACE  OF   GOD. 

"  The  peace  of  God  .  .  .  keep  your  hearts."     Phil.  iv.  7. 

i.  So  long  as  evil  exists  and  the  passions  last,  there 
must  be  some  conflict  and  trouble  in  the  heart. 

ii.  Christ  came  to  restore  peace  to  the  world,  lost 
through  sin. 

iii.  This  is  the  peace  the  Apostle  wishes  us  this  day. 

Peace : 

i.  Is  reconciliation  of  man  with  God  through  Our  Lord. 

a.  Until  He  came,  man  was  at  variance  with  his 

Creator. 

b.  Only  the  "  Prince  of  Peace  "  could  restore  the 

lost  friendship  of  God. 
ii.  Is  harmony  with  our  neighbour,  through 

a.  Forgiveness  of  injuries. 

S.  Elisabeth,  the  great  Saint   of   peace  and 
reconciliation :  Jly.  8. 

b.  Charity  in  all  things  to  all  men. 

S.  Ignatius  and  his  Foundations.* 

iii.  Is  in  oneself,  contentment  of  soul,  through  a  good 
conscience.  "  Which  surpasseth  all  under- 
standing." Phil.  iv.  7. 

a.  Which  the  devil  tries  to  destroy  by  sin  ;  or, 

b.  Endeavours  to  disturb  by  scruples  and  doubts ;  or, 

c.  Seeks  to  undermine  by  the  allurements  of  self- 

indulgence. 
iv.  Bestowed  by  Our  Lord,  through 

a.  A  Lesson :   the    preaching   of    the   Cross    and 

self-denial. 

Such   doctrine  sets   up  a  stronghold   in   the 
soul's  centre. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  13 

b,  A  Ministration  :  the  sacramental  system : 

1.  In  the  wide  sense  of  Sacraments,  Sacri- 

fice and  Rites. 

2.  The    ordinary   means    of    gaining    peace 

which  the  world  cannot  give. 

c.  A  Presence :  The  Sacred  Heart,  abode  of  Peace. 

Approached  by  worship  and  devotion, 
v.  Has  beneficial  effects  : 

a.  Unfailing  cheerfulness  of  mind  and  heart. 

b.  Measureless  confidence  in  God,  in  all  things. 

c.  Strength  against  the  persecutor  and  tempter. 

d.  Courage  amid  temporal  trials. 

Dangers  to  Peace : 
i.  Temptation  against  the  Law  of  God. 

ii.  Want  of  resignation  to  His  Will. 

iii.  Self-opinionatedness  with  others. 

iv.  Disobedience  to  Superiors. 

v.  Pride,  or  anger. 

vi.  Envy,  or  avarice, 
vii.  Selfishness. 

Lessons : 

i.  Strive  ever  to  live  in  grace  with  God :  for, 

"  Much  peace  have  they  that  love  thy  Law."     Ps.  cxviii.  165. 
ii.  After  sin,  seek  immediate  forgiveness. 
iii.  In  scruples  or  doubts,  consult  a  prudent  confessor. 
Then  will  this  three-fold  peace  "  keep  your  hearts 
and  minds." 


*  When  founding  Colleges  and  Houses  of  his  Order,  S.  Ignatius 
used  to  place  over  them  Superiors  taken  from  various  nations  ;  thus 
the  head  of  the  Roman  College  would  be  a  Frenchman,  his  object 
being  to  secure  that  most  desirable  effect,  peace  among  the 
different  nationalities.  What  more  wonderful  than  to  see  men 
from  different  countries  so  united  by  the  observance  of  discipline, 
that  there  seemed  only  one  mind  among  them,  while  their  bodies 
seemed  the  instruments  of  the  same  mind,  which  more  than 
anything  else  excited  the  admiration  of  Pope  Gregory  XIII.— 
Lohner. 


14  SERMON  PLANS 


7.     HUMAN    RESPECT. 
"  It  is  a  very  small  thing  to  be  judged  by  you."     i  Cor.  iv.  3. 

Human  Respect: 

i.  Fear  of  what  the  world  may  think  or  say. 
ii.  A  most  fertile  source  of  temptation  and  sin. 

How  many  souls  are  lost  through  it ! 
iii.  S.  Paul  emphatically  declares  against  it,  (above). 
iv.  Insulting  to  God : 

a.  Preference  given  to  man's  esteem  rather  than 

God's  will. 

1.  Yet  God  is  the  fountain  of  all  honour. 

2.  Any  mark  of    His    displeasure,  greater 

than  any  evil. 

b.  As  saying,  at  least  in  act, 

"  I  would  serve  if  convenient ; "  or, 

"  Cast  me  off,  if  only  the  world  applaud  !  " 

c.  The  blasphemy  of  this,  if  duly  considered  ! 
v.  Mean  and  cowardly : 

a.  Abject  servitude,  to  regulate  moral  conduct  by 

others'  opinions. 

b.  Some  subjection  is  honourable :  e.g. 

1.  Inferiors  to  superiors. 

2.  In  matters  indifferent,  to  refer  to  others. 

3.  Certain    customs,  if    not    against    God's 

Law.     But, 

c.  In   matters  of   Faith  and   morals,  none   must 

intervene,  except  by  divine  authority. 
Moral  courage  wanting,  if  we  yield  in  such  a 
case. 

Occasions  of  fall: 

i.  The  sign  of  the  Cross  at  meal  time, 
ii.  Observance  of  Friday  abstinence, 
iii.  Saluting  Priest  or  Church,  in  passing. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  15 

iv.  Frequent  reception  of  the  Sacraments,  even  before 

Catholics. 

v.  A  call  to  embrace  the  true  Faith. 
vi.  Friends  wishing  us  to  go  to  dangerous  places. 

Overcome  by : 

i.  The  thought  of  God's  presence. 

As  a  soldier,  under  the  eyes  of  his  General, 
ii.  The  thought  of  our  Lord's  words : 

"  He  that  shall  be  ashamed  of  Me  .  .  .  the  Son  of  man  will 

be  ashamed  of  him."     Mrk.  viii.  38. 
"  He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than  Me  is  not  worthy 

of  Me."     Mth.  x.  37. 

iii.  Prayer  to  the  Holy  Ghost  for  fortitude, 
iv.  Foreseeing  the  occasions  of  danger. 

"Forewarned  is  forearmed." 
v.  Studying  the  conduct  of  the  Saints  : 

David  before  Goliath  :   i   Kgs.  xvii. 

S.  Dunstan  and  the  Nobles  :  May  19. 

S.  Gregory  against  the  Emperor :  May  25.* 

Lessons : 

i.  Resolve  against  Human  Respect  by  these  means, 
ii.  Heed  not  the  world,  if  doing  God's  will, 
iii.  Be  brave  in  little  things  :  one  victory  brings  another. 
Fidelity  in  small  things,  then  in  greater.  Lke.xvi.io. 


*  For  several  long  years,  S.  Gregory  VII.  sustained  a  difficult 
struggle  for  the  liberties  of  the  Church  against  Henry  IV.  of 
Germany.  In  spite  of  all  the  remonstrances  and  suspicions  of  the 
world,  the  Pontiff  boldly  obeyed  his  conscience  throughout,  and 
finally  died  in  exile,  A.D,  1085. 


16  SERMON  PLANS 


8.     RASH   JUDGMENT. 

"  Judge  not  before  the  time."     i  Cor.  iv.  5. 

i.  The  habit  of  judging  others  most  injurious  to  the  soul, 
ii.  S.  Paul  here  bids  us  avoid  it. 
iii.  Hence  consider  the  question  of  rash  judgment. 
For,  it  may  sometimes  be  even  a  mortal  sin ! 

Rash  Judgment: 

i.  Wilful  suspicions  without  sufficient  grounds, 
ii.  Opposed  to 

a.  Justice :  each  has  a  right  to  his  good  name  till 

really  forfeited. 

b.  Charity,  which 

1.  Thinketh  no  evil:  i  Cor.  xiii.  5. 

2.  Teaches  us  to  love  others  as  ourselves, 
iii.  Committed  by 

a.  Conceiving  dislikes  at  first  sight. 

Totila  and  the  Bishop.* 

b.  Attributing  bad  motives. 

c.  Assuming  one  addicted  to  sin,  because  once 

guilty. 

d.  Pronouncing  guilty,  without  hearing  the  defence. 

Eliphaz  against  Job  iv.  7. 

iv.  Unfortunately,  as  common  now  as  in  the  days  of  the 
Apostles. 

Its  Guilt  seen  thus : 

i.  God's  word  forbids  it. 

"Judge  not,  that  you  may  not  l>e  judged."     Mth.  vii.  I. 
ii.  It  shows  corruption  of  heart,  they  judging  most  who 

are  most  guilty. 
"The  fool  esteemeth  all  men  fools."     Eccles.  x.  3. 


ON  THE   EPISTLES  17 


iii.  It  usually  arises  from  pride,  usurping  authority  to 

judge. 
"Who  art  thou  that  judgest  thy  neighbour?"  Jas.  iv.  13. 

iv.  Often  also  from  jealousy  and  envy. 

As  in  the  Pharisees  against  Our  Lord, 
v.  It  is  most  injurious  to  our  neighbour. 

Unjustly  depriving  him  of  his  reputation  in  our 

mind, 
vi.  It  is  so  easy  to  be  deceived,  in  passing  judgment. 

Benjamin's  brothers  and  the  cup :  Gen.  xliv. 

The  Pharisee,  as  to  Mary  Magdalen :  Lke.  vii.  39- 

The  Pharisee,  as  to  the  Publican  :  Lke.  xviii.  n. 

Our  own  past  experience. 

Means  to  avoid  it : 

i.  The  practice  of  humility  and  charity. 

ii.  The  consideration  of  one's  own  sins. 

iii.  Believe  not  every  flying  rumour  you  hear ;  but, 

iv.  Try  to  put  kindly  interpretations  on  the  acts  of  others. 

Resolution  to  avoid  this  sin,  because 

i.  It  is  the  parent  of  contempt  and  detraction. 

ii.  It  robs  God  of  His  right  to  judge, 
iii.  It  will  end  in  our  everlasting  banishment  from  God. 
iv.  If  we  judge  not,  we  shall  not  be  judged  severely. 
Mth.  vii.  i. 


*  Totila,  King  of  the  Goths,  in  the  6th.  c.  formed  a  bad  opinion 
of  a  holy  bishop,  named  Cassius,  on  account  of  his  red  and  fiery 
complexion,  saying  he  must  be  a  drunkard.  God  however  at  once 
undertook  the  defence  of  His  servant,  for  Totila's  sword-bearer  was 
suddenly  tormented  by  the  evil  spirit.  The  by-standers  in  alarm 
carried  the  possessed  man  before  the  Bishop,  who  delivered  him  by 
simply  making  over  him  the  sign  of  the  Cross.  Thereupon  Totila 
retracted  his  rash  judgment,  and  ever  after  revered  Cassius  as  a 
saint. — S.Gregory  the  Great. 


l8  SERMON  PLANS 


9.  OUR  LORD'S  THREE-FOLD  CHARACTER. 

"  God  hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of  gladness."     Hebr.  i.  9. 

i.  This  text,  from  Ps.  xliv.  8,  suggests  some  of  the 

features  of  the  Messiah. 

ii.  He  was  called  Christ,  from  a  Greek  word  meaning 
anointed. 

The  Messiah  anointed : 

i.  Not  with  material  oil,  like  His  prototypes : 
ii.  But  with  the  fulness  of  the   Divinity,  for  He  was 

God :  and 
iii.  With  the  "  oil  of  gladness,"  i.e. : 

a.  In  the  Incarnation,  with  grace,  giving  gladness 

to  the  heart. 

b.  In  the  Resurrection,  with  the  glory  of  triumph, 
iv.  Because  He    fulfils  the  three-fold    office    of  King, 

Priest  and  Prophet :  and, 

v.  Among  the  Hebrews,  these  were  anointed  with  oil, 
to  denote  and  support 

a.  In    Kings :    authority    to    rule    and    legislate : 

i  Kgs.  xvi.  3 :  3  Kgs.  xix.  16. 

b.  In  Priests :  power  to  offer  sacrifice  and  prayer : 

Ex.  xxix.  7:  Numb.  iii.  3. 

c.  In  Prophets :  honour,  as  ambassadors  of  God  : 

3  Kgs.  xix.  1 6. 

vi.  Adam's  sin  contained  a  three-fold  guilt :  viz.  against 
God's 

a.  Authority,  refusing  His  command: 

Hence  the  weakness  of  our  Will. 

b.  Love,  scorning  His  friendship : 

Hence  the  corruption  of  our  Heart. 

c.  Wisdom,    believing    rather    the    word    of    the 

tempter : 

Hence  the  ignorance  in  our  Intellect. 
vii.  Now  the  Messiah  came  in  a  three-fold  capacity,  in 
order 

a.  To  atone  for  this  three-fold  offence  against  God. 

b.  To  repair  this  three-fold  injury  done  to  Man. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  19 

As  King :  Lke.  i.  32. 

"He  shall  reign  .  .  .  and  of  His  Kingdom  there  shall  be  no 
end."     Lke.  i.  33. 

i.  Having  all  power  in  Heaven  and  on  Earth.     Mth. 

xxviii.  1 8. 
ii.  Destroying  the  empire  of  the  devil,  a  rebel  from  the 

beginning. 

iii.  Making  the  conquest  of  men  by  His  Precious  Blood, 
iv.  Founding  the  Kingdom  of  His  Church,  on  earth, 
v.  Establishing  the  Kingdom  of  His  Grace,  in  souls, 
vi.  Regaining  for  us  the  Kingdom  of  Glory,  in  Heaven. 

As  Priest :  Hebr.  vi.  20. 

i.  According  to  the  order  of  Melchisedech :  Ps.  cix.  4. 
Offering   a   sacrifice,   with   which    no   other    can 

compare, 
ii.  Immolating  Himself  on  Calvary,  for  the  atonement 

of  sin. 
iii.  Offering  Himself  still  in  Mass,  to  apply  His  merits 

to  souls. 
Hence  the  dignity  and  value  of  Holy  Mass ! 

As  Prophet:  Deut.  xviii.  15. 

i.  Giving  to  man  true  knowledge  of  mysteries  of  Faith, 
ii.  Fulfilling  in  Himself  the  prophecies  spoken  of  Him. 
iii.  Knowing  all  things,  as  being  truly  God  :  e.g. 

Reading  the  secret  thoughts  of  men :  Mth.  ix.  4 : 

Jn.  i.  47. 
iv.  Foretelling  future  events  :  e.g. 

His  Passion  and  Death:  Mth.   xx.    18,  19:  Lke. 

xviii.  32. 
The  destruction  of  Jerusalem  :  Lke.  xix.  44. 

Lessons : 

i.  We  are  all  anointed  in  Baptism,  &c. :  hence,  each  one  is 

a.  King,  to  govern  the  kingdom  of  his  heart. 

b.  Priest,  to  sacrifice  his  passions  to  the  Law  of  God. 

c.  Prophet,  to  show  by  his  life  and  example,  his 

belief  in  the  future. 
ii.  We  must  remember  our  three-fold  dignity,  and  not 

degrade  it  by  sin. 
iii.  Such  a  resolution,  a  worthy  offering  to  our  new-born 

Messiah. 


20  SERMON  PLANS 


10.  OUR  LORD'S  FOUR-FOLD  CHARACTER. 

"  Making  purgation  of  sins."    Hebr.  i.  3. 
The  Text  appropriate  to  Christinas  Day  :  For, 

i.  The     Nativity    is    the    visible    beginning    of     our 

Redeemer's  career. 

ii.  To-day  He  announces  the  work  of  purgation  of  sins, 
iii.  The    Prophet    saw    in    vision    four    faces    to   the 

Cherubim.     Ezech.  i.  10. 
Typifying  the  four-fold  character  of  Christ,  as  oft 

represented  in  Art. 
iv.  To-day's    Epistle    recalls    these    emblems    of    the 

Messiah. 

Hence  consider  the  four-fold  character  of  our  new- 
born Saviour. 

I.    Face  of  a  Man: 

i.  Denoting  Our  Lord's  human  nature,  having 

a.  A  soul,  like  ours,  with  all  its  faculties. 

b.  A  body,  like  ours,  with  all  its  senses. 

ii.  Unless  He  were  man,  He  could  not  suffer  and  atone. 
Human  nature  sinned :  human  nature  must  atone, 
iii.  As  man,  "  appointed  heir  of  all  things." 

As  God,  He  was  Creator  and  Lord  of  all. 

a.  Sharing  the  divine  glory,  (hypostatic  union). 

b.  Through  Him  only,  we  become  heirs  of  God. 

c.  Hence,  the  need  of  Baptism,  Faith,  &c. 

iv.  The  hypostatic  union  will  never  be  dissolved  for  all 
eternity. 

11.  Face  of  an  Eagle: 

i.  Denoting  Our  Lord's  divine  nature,  "by  whom  He 

made  the  world." 
ii.  Creation,  being  an  act  of  wisdom,  is  attributed  to 

the  Son. 
"All  things  were  made  by  Him."    Jn.  i.  3. 


ON  TH£  £PlSTLE$ 


in.  Giving  to  all  His  acts  infinite  merit  and  value. 

Hence,  equal  to  atone  for  the  sins  of  a  thousand 

worlds. 
iv.  "  The  brightness  of  His  glory,"  i.e.  same  substance 

as  the  Father. 

Comparison  of  the  sun  and  its  rays.    A  Lap.  in  loc. 
v.  "  Upholding  all  things,"  i.e.  omnipotent  Providence. 

III.  Face  of  an  Ox  : 

i.  Denoting  Our  Lord's  priesthood  and  sacrifice, 

"  Making  purgation  of  sins." 

Oxen,  in  the  Old  Law,  the  chief  victims  of  sacrifice. 
ii.  Sin  closed  Heaven  against  the  human  race. 
iii.  All  men  and  angels  together  unable  to  open  it. 

Finite  creatures,  hence  finite  efforts. 
iv.  Our  Lord  in  mercy  came  to  atone  for  sin. 

Himself  Priest  and  Victim  of  infinite  value. 

IV.  Face  of  a  Lion  : 

i.  Denoting  Our  Lord's  royalty  and  triumph  ;  for, 

"  Sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  the  majesty  on  high." 
The  lion  is  king  of  animals,  and  fears  none. 
ii.  Like  other  men,   Our  Lord  died   and  was  laid  in 

the  tomb. 
His  Body  adorable  there,  as  to-day  in  the  Crib  of 

Bethlehem. 
iii.  Unlike  other  men,  He  rose  at  once,  a  pledge  of  our 

resurrection. 
iv.  In  His  Resurrection,  through  His  own  will, 

a.  He  showed  His  royalty  and  power. 

b.  He  triumphed  over  death  and  all  His  enemies. 

Resolution  to  honour  Our  Lord's  four-fold  character  of 
i.  God  :  by  adoration  and  sacrifice. 
ii.  Man  :  by  gratitude  and  love. 
iii.   Victim  :  by  reparation  for  sin. 
iv.  King  :  by  confidence  and  service 


44  SEtMON  PLANS 


11.   THE  FULNESS  OF  TIME. 

"  When  the  fulness  of  time  was  come,  God  sent  His  Son."  Gal.  iv.  4. 

i.  Words  referring  to  the  day  fixed  by  God   for  the 

Incarnation. 

ii.  Perhaps  about  the  year  4,000  of  the  world's  creation, 
iii.  During  these  long  centuries  of  time, 

I.  God  promised  a  Redeemer,  seven  times  over:  viz.  to 
i.  Adam  and  Eve:  Gen.  iii.  15. 

ii.  Abraham:  Gen.  xxii.  18. 

iii.  Isaac:  Gen.  xxvi.  24. 

iv.  Jacob:  Gen.  xxviii.  14. 

v.  Juda:  Gen.  xlix.  10. 

vi.  Moses:  Deut.  xviii.  15. 

vii.  David:  2  Kgs.  vii.  12. 

II.  God  gave  types  of  the  Redeemer:  e.g. 
i.  Abel :  as  the  man  of  suffering :  Gen.  iv. 

ii.  Noah :  as  the  Saviour  of  men  from  the  deluge  of 

sin :  Gen.  vii. 

iii.  Isaias :  as  Victim  for  sin  :  Gen.  xxii. 
iv.  Moses :  as  Deliverer  of  his  people :  Ex.  xiv. 
v.  Manna:  as  Food  of  our  souls:  Ex.  xvi. 
vi.  Brazen  Serpent :  as  raised  on  the  Cross,  to  heal  us : 
Numb.  xxi. 

III.  God's  Prophets  foretold :  e.g. 

i.  His  birth  of  a  virgin:  Is.  vii.  14:  Lke.  ii. 

ii.  His  birth  in  Bethlehem:  Mich.  v.  2:  Mth.  ii.  i. 
iii.  His  flight  into  Egypt:  Osee  xi.  i  :  Mth.  ii.  14. 
iv.  His  resurrection:  Ps.  xv.  10:  Mth.  xxviii.  6. 

IV.  God  prepared  the  World  for  Him : 

i.  From  eternity,  God  decreed  three  great  designs ;  and, 
ii.  To    fulfil    these,   He    raised    four    great   empires; 
Dan,  ii,  36, 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  23 

FIRST  DESIGN  :  The  Jews  were  to  be  the  depositaries  of 

the  true  Religion. 
First  Empire  :  The  Assyrians  : 

To  punish  the  idolatry  and  infidelity  of  the  Jews. 
SECOND  DESIGN  :  Birth  of   the  Messiah  in  Bethlehem : 

Mich.  v.  2. 
Second  Empire :  The  Persians. 

i.  To  release  the  Jews  from  the  captivity  of  Babylon, 
ii.  To  enable  them  to  settle  again  in  Palestine. 
THIRD  DESIGN  :  The  spread  of  the  Gospel :  Ezech.  xviii. 

23  :  Dan.  ii.  44. 

Third  Empire :  The  Greeks :  to  prepare  men's  minds, 
i.  By  spreading  their  language,  in  which  the  Gospel 

was  to  be  written. 

ii.  By  scattering  the  Jews,  e.g.  in  the  army,  as  mission- 
aries of  truth. 

Fourth  Empire:  The  Romans:  to  prepare  the  earth, 
i.  By  bringing  all   nations  under  their  rule :    Gen. 

xlix.  10. 
ii.  By  opening  out  roads,  to  facilitate  communication. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Then  came  the  "  fulness  of  time,"  and  God  sent  His 

Son  into  the  world. 
ii.  The  long  delay  of  thousands  of  years 

a.  Taught  man  his  helplessness  and  misery. 

b.  Showed  him  the  need  and  cost  of  a  remedy. 

c.  Implies  an  eternal  design  in  the  mind  of  God. 

d.  Shows   how  Religion    goes    back  to  the  very 

beginning  of  time. 

iii.  Recognize  how  God  holds  in  His  hands  the  reins  of 
empires,  and  makes  all  things  serve  the  accom- 
plishment of  His  designs. 

iv.  Confide  therefore  in  God ;  know  you  are  in  His 
keeping,  and  under  His  watchful  care, 


SERMON  PLANS 


21.     HERESIES  ON   THE   INCARNATION. 

"  God  sent  His  Son,  made  of  a  woman."     Gal.  iv.  4. 

i.  Almost   every   doctrine   of    the   Churcli    has    been 

attacked, 
ii.  The  mystery  of  the  Incarnation  no  exception  :  e.g.  by 

a.  The  Arians,  on  the  Divinity  of  our  Lord. 

b.  The  Monothelites,  on  His  Humanity. 

c.  The  Nestorians,  on  the  Union  of  the  two  natures. 
iii.  To  study  these  errors  helps  to  elucidate  the  dogma 

of  the  Incarnation. 

I.  Arians : 

i.  Named  from  Arius,  priest  of  Alexandria,  4th  c.  who 
ii.  Held  Our  Lord  to  be  a  creature  only,  with  divine 

power. 
iii.  Denied   thus  His  divine   nature,  and    His  equality 

with  the  Father, 
iv.  Were  condemned  in  the  Council  of  Nicaca,  A.D.  325. 

a.  The  Nicene  Creed  :  Consubstantialcm. 

b.  All   turning   on  one   letter   in   a  Greek   word. 

(6/xoouo-ios,  not  6/xoioverios.) 

v.  Denial  of  the  Divinity  is  also  denial  of  the  Redemption, 
vi.  Hence  the  need  of  exactness  in  matters  of  dogma. 
The  death  of  Arius.* 

II.  Monothelites : 

i.  From  Greek  words  meaning  '  one  will.' 
ii.  Held  Our  Lord  had  but  one  will — the  divine. 

a.  Hence,  that  He  was  not  truly  man. 

b.  Yet,  He  was  "  made  of  a  woman,"  i.e.  human, 

with  a  human  will, 
iii.  Condemned  in  the  Council  of  Constantinople,  A.D.  680. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  25 

iv.  In  Christ  there  are  two  wills,  viz. 

a.  Human : 

"  Remove  this  Chalice  from  Me." 

b.  Divine  : 

"Not  My  will,  but  Thine  be  done."    Lke.  xxii.  42. 
v.  The  two  always  in  perfect  union,  though  truly  distinct. 
The  Human  ever   subject  to   the  Divine,  as   in 
the  Agony. 

III.  Nestorians : 

i.  Named  from  Nestorius,  Bp.  of  Constantinople,  5th  c. 
ii.  Held  there  are  two  persons  in  Christ, 
iii.  Denied  thus  the  hypostatic  union, 
iv.  Taught  therefore  that  Mary  is  not  "  Mother  of  God," 

But  of  Christ,  as  man  only, 
v.  Condemned  in  the  Council  of  Ephesus,  A.D.  431. 

a.  Solemn  definition  of  the  title  "  Mother  of  God." 

b.  Rejoicings  thereat  throughout  the  city. 

Lessons : 

i.  The  Church  has  had  heresy  to  oppose  all  through 

her  history, 
ii.  This  warfare  such  that  she  could  not  survive,  except 

under  the  protection  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
iii.  Confidence   therefore   in   the  Church,  as   the  work 

of  God. 
iv.  Importance  of  knowing  well  the  true  teachings  of 

the  Church. 
This,  only  through  instruction  and  good  books. 


*  Arius  had  many  followers  and  was  with  them  preparing  one 
day  to  be  forcibly  received  back  into  the  Church.  With  much 
parade,  they  formed  a  joyful  procession,  when  suddenly  their  leader 
was  seized  with  frightful  spasms  which  compelled  him  to  retire. 
After  some  delay,  he  was  found  on  the  floor,  his  blood  and  intestines 
strewn  around  him  :  his  body  had  burst  asunder,  like  that  of  Judas. 
— Theodont. 


26  SERHfON  I'LANS 


13.     A   GOOD   LIFE. 

"  We  should  live  soberly  and  justly  and  godly."     Tit.  ii.  12. 

i.  Text  most  suitable  to  the  beginning  of  a  new  year, 
ii.  Suggests  how  we  must  live  henceforth  ;  viz.  in 

a.  Sobriety,  as  to  ourselves : 

b.  Justice,  as  to  our  neighbour,  and 

c.  Religion,  as  to  God. 

I.  Soberly: 

i.  Duty  regarding  our  own  lives, 
ii.  Avoid  excess  in  food,  and  especially  in  drink. 

What  sins  of  drunkenness  during  the  year  past ! 
iii.  But   sobriety   here   implies   the    cardinal   virtue   of 
Temperance,  i.e. 

a.  Moderation  in  all  things,  even  lawful. 

b.  Restraint  of  the  senses. 

c.  The  spirit  of  self-denial. 
iv.  Effects  on  ourselves : 

a.  Brightness  and  cheerfulness. 

b.  Evenness  of  disposition. 

c.  Health  and  strength  of  body. 

d.  Perseverance  in  the  practice  of  virtue, 
v.  A  first  maxim  with  all  holy  persons :  e.g. 

Judith  viii.  6. 

Daniel  x.  3. 

S.John  the  Baptist:  Mth.  iii.  4:  Lke.  i.  15. 

S.  Peter  of  Alcantara:  Oct.  19. 

II.  Justly: 

i.  Essential  duty  we  owe  to  our  neighbour, 
ii.  How  great  the  sins  of  injustice  in  the  world !  e.g. 

a.  Theft  and  robbery. 

b.  Fraud  and  deceit  in  every  form. 

C,  Injury  to  name  and  character  in  any  way. 


6.V  TtfE  EPISTLES  2? 

iii.  How  irreparable  often  the  evils  that  follow !  e.g. 

a.  Hatred  and  dislikes. 

b.  Lawsuits  and  quarrels. 

c.  Hardness  of  heart. 

d.  Even  bloodshed  and  murder. 

iv.  How  binding,  yet  how  difficult,  the  duty  of  restitution ! 

III.  Godly: 

i.  Words  embracing  all  our  duties  to  God. 
ii.  How  great,  how  widespread  the  neglect  of  them ! 
iii.  Yet  the  first  and  foremost  duty  of  each  one. 
"  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God."     Mth.  vi.  33. 
iv.  Observance  of  God's  commandments, 
v.  Obedience  to  His  Church, 
vi.  Resignation  to  the  Divine  Will. 

vii.  The  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass,  on  Sundays  and  Holydays. 
viii.  The  Sacraments,  channels  of  Grace  to  souls. 

Lessons : 

i.  To-day  we  begin  a  new  year  of  life. 

a.  Shall  we  see  the  end  of  it  ? 

b.  Thousands  certainly  will  not ! 

ii.  Need  therefore  of  good  resolutions  on  these  three 

points, 
iii.  "  A  good  beginning  is  half  the  work." 

Hence  start  well,  with  God's  grace, 
iv.  Then  look  with  hope  for  the  "  coming  of  the  glory 

of  God." 


28  SERMON  PLANS 


14.    CHRIST,  OUR   REDEEMER. 
"  Who  gave  Himself  for  us,  that  He  might  redeem  us."  Tit.  ii.  14. 

i.  We  not  only  believe  that  Christ  became  man  for  us, 
ii.  But  we   also   know  the   object   of   His   birth — our 
redemption. 

Redemption : 

i.  Idea  of  a  Redeemer  seen  in  one  who  ransoms  a  slave.* 
ii.  Need  of  a  Redeemer. 

a.  Adam's  sin  closed  Heaven  to  man. 

b.  Malice  of  this  sin  against  God  infinite. 

c.  Thus  man,  a  finite  being,  could  not  repair  it. 

d.  Hence  the  need  of  a  God-man  to  do  so. 

iii.  Effected  by  Our  Lord's  shedding  His  Blood  for  us. 

a.  He  offered    Himself    to    God,   as    Priest   and 

Victim. 

b.  Sacrifice  of  infinite  value,  because  of  the  dignity 

of  His  person, 
iv.  Universal,  i.e.  for  all  men  : 

"  Propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world."     I  Jn.  ii.  2. 

"Christ  died  for  all."    2  Cor.  v.  15. 

"  Who  gave  Himself  a  redemption  for  all."     I  Tim.  ii.  6. 

a.  For  those  living  before  the  Incarnation,  through 

faith  in  the  future  Redeemer. 

b.  For  those  coming  afterwards,  by  living  up  to 

His  teachings. 

Benefits  of  the  Redemption : 

i.  Delivery  from  sin. 

"Redemption   through   His  Blood,  the    remission  of   sins." 

Eph.  i.  7. 
"  VVho  washed  us  from  our  sins."    Apoc.  i.  5. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  29 

ii.  Hence,  delivery  from  Hell,  the  punishment  of  sin. 

"Who  hath  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to  come."  I  Thess.  i.  10. 
iii.  The  grace  of  election  : 

"The  Father  chose  us  in  Him  "  (Christ).     Eph.  i.  4. 
iv.  The  grace  of  justification,  i.e.  sanctifying  grace. 

"The   Blood   of   Jesus   Christ   cleanseth   us    from   all    sin." 
i  Jn.  i.  7. 

a.  "  By  which  we  remain  in  Christ,  and  He  in  us." 

Jn.  xv.  4. 

b.  Which  makes  our  works  pleasing  to  God. 

c.  By  which   they   become  the   works   of  Christ 

Himself. 

As   branches  receive  nourishment  from  the 
trunk. 

d.  Which  makes  them  meritorious  of 
v.  Eternal  glory  : 

"Whom  He  justified,  them  He  also  glorified."  Rom.  viii.  30. 

"The  grace  of  God,  life  everlasting."     Rom.  vi.  23. 

"  He  became  the  cause  of  eternal  salvation."     Hebr.  v.  9. 

Lessons : 

i.  Deep  love  of  gratitude  to  our  most  holy  Redeemer, 
ii.  Observance  of  His  Law,  as  proof  of  our  love. 

"  If  you  love  Me,  keep  My  commandments."     Jn.  xvi.  15. 
iii.  Chanty  to  all  men,  redeemed  like  ourselves. 

Otherwise  our  love  of  God  is  not  genuine :  i  Jn. 

iv.  20. 

iv.  To  effect  our  salvation,  we  must  believe  and  love. 
"  Faith  that  worketh  by  charity."     Gal.  v.  6. 


*  To  free  their  brethren  from  slavery  and  to  buy  them  their 
liberty  has  ever  been  looked  upon  by  Christians  as  one  of  the 
greatest  of  good  works.  S.  Paulinus,  of  Nola,  even  himself  became 
a  slave  to  redeem  another,  and  S.  Exuperius  sold  the  sacred  vessels, 
in  order  to  have  means  to  fulfil  this  merciful  duty. 


30  SERMON  PLANS 


15.     HOLY   INNOCENTS. 

History ; 

i.  Our  Lord  was  persecuted,  as  soon  as   He  came 

among  men. 
Hence  we    may    not    expect    better    treatment : 

Mth.  x.  24. 
ii.  Herod,  King  of  Judaea,  was  a  monster  of  iniquity 

and  cruelty. 
Having  put  to  death  his  mother,  mother-in-law, 

two  sons  and  many  friends. 

iii.  Hearing  the  Magi's  enquiry  about  Christ,  he  was 
troubled :  Mth.  ii.  3. 

a.  Hence  he  resolved  on  the  death  of  the  Child  of 

Bethlehem. 

b.  He  feigned  a  wish  to  go  and  adore  the  new 

born  King :  Ibid.  8. 
With  dagger  in  hand,  to  slay  Him  !     But, 

c.  God   admonished   the    Magi   not  to   return  to 

Herod  to  report. 

d.  He  also  ordered  S.Joseph  to  carry  the  Child 

into  Egypt. 

1.  A  journey  of  some  200  miles. 

2.  Tradition  as  to  the  idols  falling.  Is.  xix.  i. 

3.  Fulfilment  of  the  prophecy  of  Osee  xi.  i. 
iv.  Obedience  of  S.Joseph:  prompt,  blind,  courageous. 

a.  He  was  not  told  how  long  to  remain  there. 

A  constant  anxiety :  yet  was  he  ever  resigned. 

b.  The  gold  of  the  Magi  was  a  help  during  the  exile, 
v.  Thus  frustrated  in  his  design,  Herod  was  exceeding 

angry  :  Mth.  ii.  16. 

a.  He  therefore  resolved  to  slay  all  male  children 

under  2  years  in  and  around  Bethlehem. 

b.  Soldiers  sent  to  massacre  all,  perhaps  over  100. 

1.  Obedience  and  harshness  of  the  military. 

2.  Sufferings  and  shrieks  of  the  children  and 

their  mothers, 
f.  Yet  happy  was  the  death  of  these  children  ! 

j.  Just  receiving  life,  and  already  losing  it 
for  Christ. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  31 

2.  Their  special  glory :  to  die  instead  of  Him. 

3.  How  few  might  otherwise  have  escaped  the 

evils  of  life ! 
d.  Their  mothers  thought  not  of  this,  hence  their 

lamentations. 
As  we  oft  regret  accidents,  though  blessings 

in  disguise, 
vi.  How   blind    and    furious   a    passion    is   ambition : 

see  Herod  ! 
vii.  Misery  and  misfortunes  of  his  last  end : 

a.  He  survives  the  massacre  by  only  a  short  time. 

He   would  have   committed  suicide,  had  he 
been  allowed. 

b.  Sickness  and  sufferings  intense,  in  the  body. 

1.  Worms  were  breeding  in  his  very  wounds. 

2.  The  stench  thereof  drove  away  even  his 

best  friends. 

c.  Torture  of  mind,  through  remorse  and  despair. 

1.  Yet   amid  all,  he  had  a  son  executed  in 

prison  ;  and, 

2.  Ordered  some  Jews  to  be  executed  after 

his  own  decease ! 

d.  At   length,  he   died   miserably,  cursed   by   all 

the  people. 

See    the   angered   Justice   of   God   in  these 
punishments. 

Reflections ; 

i.  Parents  are  bound  to  see  their  children  devoted  to  God. 

a.  Imprinting  the  best  sentiments  on  their  young 

minds. 

b.  Instructing  them  thoroughly  in  their  religion ;  for, 

c.  Without    knowing    God,   we   cannot    love   or 

serve  Him. 
ii.  Great  too  should  be  the  zeal  of  children  and  others 

to  hear  of  God. 

The  eternal  truths  ;  and  our  various  duties, 
iii.  Do    not    unduly    lament    the    death    of     innocent 
children  :  for, 

a.  If  baptized,  they  are  at  once  united  to  God 

for  eternity. 

b.  Could  a  greater  blessing  ever  be  given  them  ? 


32  SERMON  PLANS 


16.     LOVE   OF  OUR   NEIGHBOUR. 

"  If  God  hath  so  loved  us,  we  also  ought  to  love  one  another." 
i  Jn.  iv.  ii. 

i.  The  epistles  of  Christmastide  full  of  the  subject  of 

charity ;  for, 
ii.  The  Love  of  God  appeared  to  us  in  the  Incarnation. 

Hence, 
iii.  S.  John  argues  we  must  love  one  another. 

We  must  love  our  neighbour : 

i.  All  persons,  even  our  enemies : 
ii.  In  God  and  for  God,  as  a  motive, 
iii.  Because: 

a.  God  so  commands : 

"Thou  shall  love  thy  neighl>our."     Mth.  xxii.  39. 
"  A   new  commandment  :    that  you  love  one  another." 
Jn.  xiii.  34. 

b.  We  are  all   children  of  God,  and  brothers  of 

Christ."     Mth.  xxiii.  g. 

c.  In  loving  them,  we  love  God  :  Prov.  xix.  1 7. 

d.  It  is  a  powerful  means  to  obtain  mercy:   i  Pet. 

iv.  8. 

e.  Without  this,  we  cannot  truly  love  God :  i  Jn. 

iv.  20. 
iv.  This    love   of    others    makes   earth   a   foretaste   of 

Heaven, 
v.  This  one  law,  if  observed,  would  dispense  with  all 

human  law. 

This  brotherly  love : 

i.  Makes  us  regard  our  neighbours'  interests  as  our  own. 

a.  The  very  spirit  of  Christianity. 

b.  Opposed  to  the  spirit  of  envy. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  33 

ii.  Produces : 

a.  Peace  and  concord. 

b.  Willingness  to  act  and  suffer  for  others. 

c.  Readiness  on  their  part  to  do  likewise, 
iii.  Shown  by : 

a.  Sincere  congratulations  on  success. 

b.  Sympathy  in  trial  and  sorrow. 

c.  Repression  of  rancour  and  ill-feeling. 

d.  Not  giving  offence. 

e.  Not  taking  offence. 

/.  The  Works  of  Mercy,  corporal  and  spiritual, 
iv.  Exemplified  in : 

Abraham  towards  Lot :  Gen.  xiii.  8. 

David  and  Jonathan :  i   Kgs.  xviii. 

Our  Lady  towards  her  cousin  :  Lke.  i.  39. 

S.  John,  throughout  his  Epistles. 

Founders  of  Orders,  making  it  an  essential  point 

of  their  rule, 
v.  Attained  by  : 

a.  Love  of  God  first,  of  which  it  is  a  part. 

b.  Considering  that 

1.  Envy  makes  us  resemble  the  devil. 

2.  We  are  all  brothers  in  God. 

c.  Speaking  well  of  others  and  defending  them. 

d.  Helping  a  neighbour. 

e.  Seeing  Christ  in  all  men. 

Lessons : 

i.  Appreciate  the  spirit  of  the  Church  at  this  season  of 

love, 
ii.  In  imitation  of  the  love  of  Bethlehem,  show  love  to 

others, 
iii.  Mere  philanthropy  is  not  the  Christian  love  of  our 

neighbour. 

For  it  has  no  motives  higher  than  this  earth, 
iv.  Practical  and  detailed  resolutions  for  the  year  just 
begun. 
D 


34  SERMON  PLANS 


17,     THE  FEAST  OF  CONVERTS. 

"  The  Gentiles  shall  walk  in  Thy  light."    Is.  Ix.  3. 
i.  The  three  Kings  were  the  first  Gentiles  to  visit 

Bethlehem, 
ii.  They  were  the  first  converts  to  walk  in  the  light  of 

faith. 

iii.  To-day  thus  becomes  the  Feast  of  Converts, 
iv.  Consider  some  points  of  resemblance  between  the 

Kings  and  Converts. 

The  Kings ; 

i.  Their  life  before  they  saw  the  Star : 

a.  Seeking  the  true  God,  yet  with  uncertainty. 

b.  Anxious  to  remain  at  home,  God  now  calling 

elsewhere, 
ii.  The  Star  arises :  Mth.  ii.  2. 

a.  Their  heart  tells  them  to  follow  it. 

b.  Friends  blame  and  expostulate ;  but, 

c.  They  are  faithful  to  the  call,  and  set  out. 
iii.  The  Star  at  one  time  disappears, 

a.  As  they  near  Jerusalem  and  its  crowds. 

b.  But  this  only  quickens  enquiry :  Mth.  ii.  2. 

c.  False  counsels  given,  which  they  do  not  follow : 

Mth.  ii.  8. 
iv.  The  Star  reappears : 

0.  To  their  intense  joy. 

b.  They  persevere  on  their  way. 

c.  And  reach  Bethlehem  in  safety. 

v.  They  find  the  new-born  Saviour:  Mth.  ii.  ii. 

a.  Their  adoration  and  three- fold  offering. 

b.  Perhaps  they  embrace  the  Divine  Child ;  and, 

c.  Enjoy  sensible  sweetness,  a  strength  to  the  faith, 
vi.  They  return  home  by  another  road:  Mth.  ii.  12. 

a.  To  escape  the  treachery  of  Herod. 

b.  Living  now  by  the  light  they  have  received. 

c.  Becoming  missionaries  among  their  countrymen. 

d.  Their  peaceful  and  happy  death. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  35 


II.  Converts: 

i.  Life  before  conversion : 

a.  Often  truly    conscientious,  according   to  their 

lights. 

b.  Content     with     their     state,     though     doubts 

sometimes  arise, 
ii.  Some   circumstance    in    life    arrests   their    serious 

attention,  e.g. 
A  reverse  of  fortune,  a  sermon,  an  accident,  etc. 

a.  They  feel  drawn  to  examine  their  position. 

b.  Friends  hearing  this,  treat  it  as  folly. 

c.  But  they  are  determined,  and  seek  advice, 
iii.  The  voice  of  conscience  sometimes  dies  down  : 

a.  Perhaps  through  worldly  cares  and  preoccupa- 

tion. 

b.  Anxious  friends  encourage  the  indifference. 

c.  Yet  faithful  to  God,  they  correspond  to  their 

grace, 
iv.  Then  the  true  path  seems  more  clear  than  ever. 

a.  Their  conscience  once  more  at  ease. 

b.  They  continue  instructions,  reading,  etc. 

c.  Final  resolve  to  embrace  the  Catholic  Faith. 
v.  Baptism  and  other  Sacraments : 

a.  Fervour  and  devotion. 

b.  Often  spiritual  sweetness  as  encouragement, 
vi.  They  continue  their  routine  of  life. 

a.  Avoiding  however  discussions  on  Religion. 

b.  Rejoicing  in  true  peace  of  mind. 

c.  Influencing  others  by  their  example. 

d.  Good  life  and  holy  death. 

Lessons : 

i.  Gratitude  for  the  gift  of  Faith, 
ii.  Fidelity  to  grace, 
iii.  Zeal  to  obtain  the  same  for  others. 


SERMON  PLANS 


18.    CONVERSION   OF  THE  GENTILES. 

"  The  strength  of  the  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thee."     Is.  Ix.  5. 

i.  To-day's  lesson  prophetical  of  the  world's  conversion. 

Isaias  lived  some  700  years  B.C. 
ii.  Read  to-day,  the  Christmas  Day  of  the  Gentiles. 

a.  The  three  Kings,  the  first  called  among  them. 

b.  As  the  Shepherds  were  among  the  Jews. 

iii.  "  The    strength    of    the    Gentiles,"  i.e.   great    and 

powerful  nations, 
iv.  "  Shall  come  to  thee,"  i.e.  to  the  Church,  here  called 

Jerusalem, 
v.  Consider  some  examples : 

I.  Early  Conversions : 

i.  Rome  alone  in  the  4th  c.  had  already  40  Churches, 
ii.  Most  of  Italy  converted  by  the  disciples  of  S.  Peter, 
iii.  Gaul,  in  the  ist  c.  by  disciples  of  other  Apostles. 

In  the  3rd  c.  it  had  as  many  bishoprics  as  large  cities, 
iv.  The  north  of  Africa,  in  the  2nd  c. 

70  Bishops  at  the  Council  of  Carthage,  end  of  2nd  c. 
v.  Conversion  of  Spain,  A.D.  250. 

II.  Ireland:  5th  c. 

i.  S.  Patrick,  Apostle  of  Ireland. 

a.  Early  carried  into  slavery. 

b.  On  his  release,  his  studies  in  Rome. 

c.  Sent  as  missionary  by  Pope  Celestine. 
ii.  Eagerness  with  which  he  was  listened  to. 

Source  of  the  veneration  still  shown  to  him. 

Tradition  of  the  shamrock-leaf, 
iii.  Success  of  his  apostolic  labours. 

a.  Foundation  of  monasteries  innumerable. 

b.  Conversion  of  the  island. 

c.  Its  fidelity  to  the  Faith. 


ON    THE    EPISTLES  37 

III.  England :  6th  c. 

i.  Christianity  from  the  time  of  the  Apostles,  even, 
ii.  Increased  by  the  conversion  of  King  Lucius,  A.D.  180. 

S.  Alban,  our  proto-martyr,  A.D.  303 — June  22. 
iii.  Permanently  established  through  monks  sent  from 

Rome,  viz. 
iv.  S.  Augustine  and  40  companions,  A.D.  597. 

0.  The  landing  in  Kent. 

b.  Interview  with  Ethelbert  under  the  oak.* 

c.  Conversion  of  the  King  and  of  many  of  his 

people. 

d.  See  of  Canterbury  established,  with  the  primacy, 
v.  Flourishing  state  of  Religion  till  the  i6th  c. 

vi.  Catholic  revival  of  the  present  time. 

IV.  Missionary  enterprise  nowadays :  e.g. 
i.  In  China,  by  the  Jesuits. 

ii.  In  India,  by  the  Jesuits  and  Dominicans, 
iii.  In  Africa,  by  the  Oblates  of  M.I.  and  the  White 
Fathers. 

Lessons : 

i.  The    Epiphany    is   our   Christmas    Day,   we    being 

Gentiles. 

ii.  Gratitude  for  the  call  to  the  true  Faith, 
iii.  Zeal  to  extend  this  grace  to  others : 

a.  By  prayer,  that  the   prophet's  words  may  be 

fully  realized. 

b.  By  contributions  to  missionary  societies. 


*  The  Saxon  prince,  Ethelbert,  received  the  missionaries  under 
an  oak,  in  an  open  field,  at  the  suggestion  of  his  priests,  who  had 
told  him  that  in  such  a  situation  the  spells  of  the  foreign  magicians 
would  lose  their  influence.  Ethelbert  at  first  refused  to  abandon 
the  gods  of  his  fathers,  but  the  missionaries  were  allowed  to  preach 
without  molestation,  and  were  supported  at  his  expense.  On  the 
feast  of  Pentecost  in  the  following  year,  he  himself  received  Baptism. 
— Lingard. 


258254 


SERMON  PLANS 


19.    "REASONABLE  SERVICE." 
"A  living  sacrifice,  holy,  pleasing  unto  God."     Rom.  xii.  i. 

i.  Sacrifice  ever  an  essential  to  public  worship. 

a.  In  the  Old  Law,  sacrifices  of  animals. 

b.  In  the  New  Law,  the  sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 
ii.  In  private  devotion  also,  sacrifice  is  necessary. 

The  Apostle  asks  the  sacrifice  of  our  bodies. 

I.  Living  Sacrifice: 

i.  S.  Paul  alludes  to  the  olden  sacrifices,  animals  slain. 
ii.  With  these  he  contrasts  living  victims,  our  bodies, 

as  they  are : 
iii.  Living,  because 

a.  Still  inhabited  by  the  soul,  not  slain  and  dead. 

b.  Animated  by  vivifying  works  of  the  spiritual 

life :  e.g. 
Christian  virtues,  almsdeeds,  prayer. 

c.  Especially,    mortification    makes    it    a    living 

victim ;  and  is 

1 .  A  sort  of  death,  the  death  of  concupiscence. 

2.  In  some  degree,  necessary  to  all  men. 

Though  in  its  perfection,  only  of  counsel. 

3.  The   way   to   sanctity ;    it    may   even    fit 

for  martyrdom, 
iv.  Three  kinds  of  sacrifice  of  ourselves  to  God  :  viz. 

a.  Of  the  mind,  by  prayer. 

b.  Of  the  body,  by  mortification,  etc. 

c.  Of  our  works,  by  almsdeeds. 

S.  Cyprian  to  the  convicts.* 

II.  Holy  Sacrifice: 

The  Jewish  victims  sacred,  and  not  to  be  touched 

by  the  unclean  :  Lev.  i.  3. 
i.  Holy,  because 

a.  Dedicated  to  God  in  Baptism. 

b.  Thus  separated  from  things  profane :  e.g.  pride, 

ambition. 


OAT  THE  EPISTLES  39 

c.  Especially,  it  must  be  kept  free  from  impure  sin. 

1.  So  directly  opposed  to  the  holiness  of  God. 

2.  Chastity  according  to  one's  state  essential 

to  holiness, 
ii.  Keep  thus  holy  the  body  that  is  to  be  offered  to  God. 

III.  Pleasing  Sacrifice: 

The  Jewish  victims  were  as  an  odour  of  sweetness 

to  God :  Lev.  i.  1 7. 

i.  Pleasing,  when  truly  a  holy  and  living  sacrifice,  (as 
above)  if,  e.g  : 

a.  The  eyes  refrain  from  sinful  looks. 

b.  The  tongue,  from  uncharitable  language. 

c.  The  hands,  from  unlawful  gains. 

d.  The  feet,  from  leading  us  to  sin  :  5.  Chrysostom. 
ii.  On  the  contrary,  our  sacrifice  is  not  pleasing,  if  we  are 

a.  Proud  and  rebellious  against  God.. 

b.  Jealous  and  envious  of  others. 

c.  Given  to  unlawful  pleasure. 

d.  Guilty  of  injustice  in  any  form. 

If  such  be  our  state,  no  sacrifice  of  ours  can 
please  God. 

Lessons : 

i.  Ever  then  present  your  bodies  to  God,  a  sacrifice 

worthy  of  Him. 
ii.  Thus  will  you  give  Him  your  "  reasonable  service,"  i.e. 

a.  Service  dictated  by  reason  and  discretion. 

b.  Not  mere  outward  service,  like  that  of  the  Jews. 

c.  But  a  spiritual   worship   of  the  soul   guiding 

the  body. 

iii.  Such  service  will  assuredly  bring  you  a  blessing, 
here  and  hereafter. 


*  S.  Cyprian  consoled  those  who,  for  their  Faith,  were  condemned 
to  work  in  the  mines,  by  telling  them  that,  though  deprived  of  the 
Holy  Sacrifice  of  the  Eucharist,  they  could  offer  to  God  a  victim, 
pleasing  to  Him  and  meritorious  for  themselves,  by  bearing  their 
painful  trials  in  patience,  a  sacrifice  of  their  bodies  offered  night 
and  day  unceasingly,  holy,  living  and  pleasing,  according  to  the 
words  of  the  text. 


40  SERMON  PLANS 


20.    CONSTITUTION   OF  THE   CHURCH. 
"We  being  many  are  one  body  in  Christ."     Rom.  xii.  5. 

i.  The  Apostle  compares  the  Church  to  the   human 

frame, 
ii.  As  the  body  has  a  complex  formation,  so  too  the 

Church, 
iii.  Consider  then  its  Constitution. 

I.  The  Head: 

i.  The  human  body  has  a  head. 

Body  without  head  is  a  contradiction. 

a.  Seat  of  the  directing  power — the  Intellect. 

b.  United  with  the  various  members  of  the  body, 
ii.  The  Church  also  has  a  head. 

a.  Jesus  Christ,  its  Founder,  the  invisible  Head, 

in  Heaven. 

b.  The  Pope,  His  Vicar,  its  visible  Head,  on  earth. 

The  Church,  a  visible  society,  needs  a  visible 
head. 

c.  This  two-fold  headship  not  a  contradiction. 

King   and    Viceroy  exist   for  the   same   de- 
pendency of  India. 

d.  No  society  can  exist  without  a  head. 

e.  From  this  Head  flows  all  power  and  authority  ; 
/.  To  it  all  final  appeals  are  made. 

II.  The  Members: 

i.  The  body  has  various  members ;  (hands,  feet,  etc.) 

a.  Each  has  its  own  work  and  function  : 

Eyes,  to  see ;  feet,  to  walk. 

b.  Yet  in  union  and  sympathy  with  each  other. 

c.  All  subject  to  the  head  and  its  commands. 

ii.  The  Church  too  has  various  members  and  grades. 
a.  Each  its  own  duty  to  fulful :  e.g. 

Bishops  .  .  Priests  .  .  Faithful :  i  Cor.  xii.  29. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  41 

b.  All  in  union  with  each  other,  by 

1.  The  interior  link  of  Faith  and  Grace. 

2.  The  exteriorlmkof  Sacraments  and  Worship. 

c.  All  united  to  the  Head,  by 

Love,  reverence  and  obedience. 

III.  The  Soul: 

i.  The  body  has  a  soul  to  animate  it. 

a.  Without  it,  the  body  is  a  corpse,  helpless,  etc. 

b.  This  soul  gives  life  and  energy  to  its  every  part, 
ii.  The  Church  also  has  a  soul — the  Holy  Ghost. 

"In   one    Spirit  we  were  all  baptized   into  one  body." 
I   Cor.  xii.  13. 

a.  Our   Lord's   work    incomplete,   till    the   Spirit 

descended  on  it. 

b.  Powers  of  the  Apostles  in  abeyance,  till  He  came 

upon  them. 

c.  His  love  and  grace  unite  the  members  together, 

and  give  them  spiritual  increase  and  sancti- 
fication. 

d.  He  thus  animates  with  divine  life  the  mystical 

body  of  Christ. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Thus  does  the  human  body  truly  typify  the  Church, 
ii.  This  briefly  the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  of  which 

a.  The  invisible  Head  and  Soul  are  divine. 

b.  The  visible  Members,  human. 

iii.   We  are  members  of  this  mystical  body ;  hence, 

a.  Be  grateful  for  so  signal  a  grace. 

b.  Live  lives  worthy  of  such  a  vocation.  Eph.  iv.  i. 

c.  Pray  that  others  also  may  share  it.* 


*  The  Holy  Ghost  declares  the  absolute  necessity  for  all  men 
to  be,  as  members  of  a  body,  in  perfect  union  with  the  Church, 
in  order  to  be  in  union  with  Christ.  Separation  from  her,  if 
culpable,  is  irreparable  folly,  for  separation  from  her,  the  Body, 
means  separation  from  Christ,  the  Head,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
the  Soul.  The  result  of  such  separation  is,  that  spiritual  life  is 
impossible  for  one  in  such  a  state — as  impossible  as  is  natural  life 
for  a  limb  dissevered  from  the  body. — Duke. 


SERMON  PLANS 


21.     FERVOUR  AND  TEPIDITY. 

"In  spirit  fervent."     Rom.  xii.  n. 
i.  S.  Paul  bids  us  be  fervent  in  the  service  of  the  Lord 

of  Lords: 
Whose  eyes  are  ever  upon  us  in  the  homage  we 

do  Him. 

ii.  Consider  then  the  subject  of    Fervour,  and  of   its 
opposite,  Tepidity. 

Fervour : 

i.  An  ardent  and  efficacious  desire  of  living  up  to  our 
vocation. 

a.  The  state  of  the  Saints  upon  earth. 

b.  Should  be  the  state  of  all  who  aim  at  perfection, 
ii.  Motives: 

a.  The  greatness  of  God's  goodness  to  us. 

b.  His  liberality  to  His  faithful  servants. 

c.  The  shortness  of  time  allotted  to  us  for  work. 

d.  The  joy  of  heart  which  Fervour  brings. 
iii.  Means: 

a.  Meditation  on  such  motives. 

b.  The  thought  of  the  uncertainty  of  life.* 

c.  See  the  zeal  of  worldlings  in  their  pursuits. 

d.  Remember  the  greatness  of  future  rewards, 
iv.  Fruits : 

a.  Great  courage  for  good. 

b.  Self-distrust. 

c.  Love  of  mortification. 

d.  Holy  indifference. 
c.  Peace  of  heart. 

v.  Examples: 

King  David,  in  the  service  of  God  :  i  Par.  xxix.  2. 
S.  Ignatius,  whose  face  seemed  inflamed  in  prayer  : 

Jiy-  31- 

S.  Stanislaus    Kostka,   who    died    of    fulness   of 
divine  love:  Nov.  13. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  43 


Tepidity : 

i.  The  very  opposite  of  Fervour,  a  canker  in  the  soul, 
ii.  Recognized  by  such  symptoms  as : 

a.  Facility  in  omitting  exercises  of  religion. 

b.  Negligence  in  those  we  do  perform. 

c.  Acting  without  any  kind  of  intention. 

d.  Seeking    comfort    and    distraction    in    earthly 

things. 

e.  Contempt  of  small  things,  and  opportunities  for 

good. 
/.  Thinking  rather  of  the  good  we  have  done,  than 

of  the  good  left  undone. 

iii.  Most  hateful  to  God,  who  condemns  it  so  forcibly, 
in   a   passage  without  any  parallel  in  Scripture : 
Apoc.  iii.  1 6. 
iv.  Effects : 

a.  The  forming  of  a  false  conscience. 

b.  Fear  to  undertake  too  much  for  God. 

c.  Irreverent  use  of  the  Sacraments. 

v.  Examples :  They  are  tepid  and  lukewarm,  who,  e.g. : 

a.  Are  patient,  when  they  have  nothing  to  suffer. 

b.  Are  gentle,  when  uncontradicted. 

c.  Are  humble,  when  honour  is  untouched. 

d.  Wish  to  be  saints,  without  trouble  or  struggle. 

e.  Are  willing  to  do  many  things,  but  not  to  take 

Heaven  by  violence, 
vi.  Remedies : 

a.  Quicken    your    Faith,   by   meditation    on   the 

eternal  Truths. 

b.  Don't  have  too  many  things  to  do. 

c.  Preserve  silence,  without  singularity. 

d.  Persevere  in  spiritual  exercises. 

e.  Practise  bodily  penance  and  self-denial. 

*  If  thou  wouldst  oftener  think  of  thy  death  than  of  the  length 
of  thy  life,  no  doubt  thou  wouldst  more  fervently  amend  thyself. — 
Imit.  i.  xxi. 


44  SERMON  PLANS 


22.    CURSING. 
"  Curse  not."    Rom.  xii.  14. 

i.  The  Epistle  to-day  a  continuation  of  last  Sunday's, 
ii.  S.  Paul   continues   his   instructions   to    his   Roman 

converts. 

iii.  In  them,  much  for  us  also  to  learn  :  to-day  on  cursing. 
Sin  very  common  nowadays :    hence,  worthy  of 
consideration. 

Cursing : 

i.  Praying  evil  on  ourselves,  or  any  of  God's  creatures, 
ii.  Sin  of  diabolical  malice,  because 

a.  Directly  opposed  to  the  Law  of  God, 

1.  Who  tells  us  to  love  one  another. 

2.  While  the  curser  hates  his  neighbour. 

b.  Opposed  to  the  very  object  of  the  Incarnation. 

1.  Which  is  the  salvation  of  men. 

2.  The  curser  prays  for  their  damnation. 

c.  It  usually  gives  bad  example.     Mth.  xviii.  6. 

Especially  in  parents,  masters,  etc. 

d.  He  shows   ingratitude,  who   curses   his  tools, 

cattle,  etc. 

1.  All   these    are   God's   gifts,   deserving   of 

thanks. 

2.  No  wonder  if  such  a  one  does  not  prosper ! 

e.  Cursing  is  the  language  of  Hell ! 

iii.  Scripture  gives  four  cases  where  cursing  is  answered  : 

a.  The  poor  cursing  the  rich  who  oppress  them. 

"  The  prayer  of  him  (the  poor)  that  curseth  thee  shall  be 
heard."     Ecclus.  iv.  6. 

b.  Widows  and  orphans  cursing  their  oppressors. 

"  The  widow's  tears  .  .   .  the  Lord  will  not  be  delighted 
with  them."     Ecclus.  xxxv.  19. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  45 

c.  Parents  cursing  their  children — How  common 

a  sin! 

"The    mother's    curse    rooteth    up     the    foundation." 
Ecclus.  iii.  II. 

A  mother's  curse.* 

d.  People  cursing  themselves. 

"  He   loved    cursing,   and    it   shall    come    unto    him." 
Ps.  cviii.  18. 

The  Jews  in  the  wilderness  :  Numb.  xiv.  3,  29. 
The  Jews  on  Calvary :  Mth.  xxvii.  25. 

Guilt  of  cursing : 
i.  Mortal  sin,  when 

a.  The  evil  is  great  and  adverted  to ;  or, 

b.  The  habit  is  continued, 
ii.  Venial  sin,  where 

a.  The  evil  is  not  great,  or  deliberate ;  or, 

b.  The  habit  is  being  corrected. 

Lessons : 

i.  Realize  the  evil  of  this  sin  : 

a.  So  hateful  to  God. 

b.  So  injurious  to  His  creatures. 

c.  Yet  so  common  in  the  world ! 

ii.  Renounce  this  shocking  and  anti-Christian  practice, 
iii.  Avoid  coarse  and  profane  language  of  any  kind, 
iv.  Make  reparation  to  the  Holy  Name  of  God  herein 
abused :  e.g. 

a.  To  say  the  Litany  of  the  Holy  Name ;  (to-day.) 

b.  To  say  the  Divine  Praises. 


*  A  rich  widow,  in  Florence,  had  two  children,  whom  she  loved 
even  to  weakness,  never  refusing  them  anything.  One  day  however 
she  was  constrained  to  refuse  some  unreasonable  request ;  but  this 
so  irritated  them  that  they  raised  their  hand  and  struck  her.  In 
her  anger,  the  poor  mother  cursed  her  children,  praying  the  devil  to 
seize  them.  At  that  very  moment,  he  did  so,  and  they  began  to  fight 
like  wild  beasts,  ready  to  tear  each  other  to  pieces.  It  was  only  on 
the  prayer  of  S.  Zenobius,  Bishop  of  Florence,  that  they  were 
healed,  and  their  conversion  effected. — Delmas. 


46  SERMON  PLANS 


23.     REVENGE. 

"  Not  revenging  yourselves,  my  dearly  beloved."     Rom.  xii.  19. 

i.  S.  Paul  warns  his  Roman  converts  against  revenge, 
ii.  A  sin  common  in  the  world,  to  be  now  considered. 

Revenge ;  and  spite. 

i.  Returning  evil  for  evil, 
ii.  Most  sinful,  as  directly  opposed  to  the  Law  of  God. 

"If  one  strike  thee    on   thy   right   cheek,   turn  to   him   the 

other."     Mth.  v.  39. 
"Love    your   enemies,   do    good   to   them   that   hate    you." 

Mth.  v.  44. 
"  Be   not   overcome   by  evil,   but  overcome   evil   by  good." 

Rom.  xii.  21. 

S.  John  Gualbert  observed  these  commands :  Jly.  1 2. 
iii.  Arrogates  God's  attribute  to  itself. 

"  Revenge  is  mine,  and  I  will  repay."    Deut.  xxxii.  35. 
"  He  that  seeketh  to  revenge  himself  shall  find  vengeance 
from  the  Lord."     Ecclus.  xxviii.  i. 

a.  A  great  evil  to  be  the  object  of  God's  anger. 

"  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living 
God."     Hebr.  x.  31. 

b.  For  God's  anger  is  terrible  in  its  effects :  e.g. 

The  Deluge :  Gen.  vii. 

The  destruction  of  Sodom :  Gen.  xix.  24. 

c.  Therefore,  instead  of  revenge,  show  pity  to  a 

victim  of  God's  displeasure. 

Effects  of  taking  revenge : 

i.  It  bars  the  way  to  God's  forgiveness. 

"  If  you  will  not  forgive  men,  neither  will  your  Father  forgive 
you."     Mth.  vi.  15. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  47 

ii.  It  makes  the  Ouv  Father  a  mockery  on  our  lips. 

"  Forgive  us  our  trespasses  as  we  forgive." 

A  nun's  revenge.* 
iii.  It  unfits  us  for  the  Sacraments. 

"Go  first  to  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother."     Mth.  v.  24. 
iv.  It  leads  to  injustice,  calumny,  even  murder, 
v.  It  destroys  peace  of  mind. 

Like  a  splinter  left  in  a  wound. 

Remedies  against  revenge : 

i.  Meditation  on  the  injury  sin  does  to  God,  who  so 

punishes  it. 
ii.  Thought  of  His  readiness  to  pardon  and  forgive. 

*'  I  desire  not  the  death  of  the  wicked,  but  that  the  wicked 
turn  from  his  way  and  live."  Ezech.  xxxiii.  ii. 

"  Who  maketh  His  sun  to  rise  upon  the  good  and  bad." 
Mth.  v.  45. 

iii.  Prayer  for  those  for  whom  we  feel   ill-will — most 

efficacious. 

"Pray  for  them  that  persecute  you."     Mth.  v.  44. 
iv.  The  sight  of  Our  Lord  on  the  Cross. 

"  Father,  forgive  them."     Lke.  xxiii.  34. 

v.  Thus  will  you  avoid  a  sin — so  hateful  to  God,  so 
injurious  to  others,  and  so  ruinous  to  your 
own  soul. 


*  During  the  cholera  epidemic  in  Paris,  in  1832,  a  Sister  of 
Charity,  going  into  the  hospital,  was  rudely  insulted  by  a  passing 
workman.  One  morning  a  new  patient  was  brought  in  whose 
condition  seemed  desperate.  "  No  more  room,"  was  the  answer  of 
the  person  in  charge :  but  the  Sister  was  there,  recognized  the 
patient  and  exclaimed  :  "  Do  not  refuse  him :  I'll  find  him  a  corner 
somewhere,  and  will  tend  him  myself."  And  without  neglecting 
her  other  patients,  she  cared  for  this  one  so  well  that  in  eight  or 
ten  days  he  was  convalescent :  but  one  morning  she  was  missed 
from  his  side :  she  died  of  the  cholera  taken  in  attending  the  one 
who  had  insulted  her :  she  revenged  herself  on  him  after  the 
manner  of  the  Saints. — Guillois. 


SERMON  PLANS 


24.     APOSTOLIC  COUNSELS. 

i.  How  strange  we  are  no  better  than  we  are ! 
ii.  It  is  not  through  lack  of  instruction,  for  we  have 

a.  Moses  and  the  Prophets. 

b.  Our  Lord's  divine  teaching. 

c.  The  example  of  Our  Lord  and  the  Saints. 

d.  S.  Paul's  epistles  these  weeks  past. 

Let  us  try  to  profit  by  all  these, 
iii.  To-day  again  three  plain  lessons  are  inculcated,  viz : 

I.  True  self-knowledge: 

"  Be  not  wise  in  your  own  conceits."     Rom.  xii.  16. 

i.  Perfect  self-knowledge  lies  in  true  humility, 
ii.  Humility  is  a  true  estimate  of  ourselves. 

a.  It  does  not  imply  falsehood :  e.g. 

Saying  we  have  no  talent,  if  we  really  have. 

b.  But  refers  all  merit  to  God  alone. 

c.  It  acknowledges  its  own  weakness  and  is  not 

puffed  up. 

iii.  Sometimes  men  have  overweening  ideas  as  to  their 
own  judgment. 

a.  Foolishness  of  this :  for, 

b.  Their  past  mistakes  and  the  experience  of  the 

world  should  make  them  diffident, 
iv.  Fear  not  to  seek  counsel  and  advice  from  others. 
v.  What  it  takes  years  of  experience  to  learn,  grace  can 

teach  quickly,  if  we  follow  the  Apostle's  advice : 

Rom.  xii.  16. 

II.  Forgiveness  of  Injuries: 

"To  no  man  rendering  evil  for  evil."     Rom.  xii.  17. 
i.  You  may  expect  injury  at  the  hands  of  others :  for, 
In  this  world  good  and  evil  are  mixed. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES 


ii.  If  you  expect  it,  be  not  troubled  when  it  conies. 

a.  "  Forewarned  is  forearmed  ;  "  thus, 

b.  You  are  better  fitted  to  meet  it. 
Hi.  Evil  tends  to  beget  evil. 

a.  To  return  it  is  folly  and  sin. 

b.  It  multiplies  the  miseries  of  life. 

c.  It  recoils  on  ourselves. 

iv.  Therefore  overcome  evil  by  doing  good  :  Rom.  xii.  21. 

a.  Forgiving  injuries. 

b.  Praying  for  them  that  persecute  you  :  Mth.  v.  44. 

III.  Good  Example  : 

"  Providing   good   things    ...    in   the   sight   of  all   men." 
Rom.  xii.  17. 

i.  Further  means  of  fighting  against  evil. 
ii.  Not  to  be  done  for  vanity  or  applause  ;  but, 
iii.  As  Christians,  men  are  entitled  to  expect  good  from 

us:  Mth.  v.  1  6. 
iv.  Hence  fear  not  to  do  good  before  others  :  e.g. 

a.  To  lead  a  practical  Catholic  life. 

b.  To  do  works  of  mercy,  etc. 

v.  Good  example  tends  to  right  the  balance  of  good,  as 
against  evil  in  the  world. 

Conclusion  : 

i.  What   a   blessing   to   learn   but   one    lesson    every 

Sunday  ! 
ii.  During   Mass,  ask,  through  S.  Paul,  the   grace  to 

profit  by  his  teachings  to-day. 
iii.  Then  we  shall  improve  and  make  some  progress. 


50  SERMON  PLANS 


25.     PAYMENT  OF  DEBTS. 
"  Owe  no  man  anything."     Rom.  xiii.  8. 

i.  There  is  one  debt  we  can  never  fully  pay — the  debt 

of  charity.* 
ii.  All  other  debts  we  must  try  to  discharge. 

"  Owe  no  man  anything." 
iii.  Too  often  neglected  is  this  precept  of  the  Apostle. 

We  must  pay  our  debts : 

i.  When  goods  are  bought,  the  price  of  them  belongs 

to  the  seller. 
He  parts  with  them,  on  the  understanding  we  pay 

him  their  value. 

ii.  To  refuse  payment  is  an  unjust  keeping  of  what 
belongs  to  another. 

a.  Now,  all  unjust  keeping  is  forbidden  by  the  7th 

Commandment. 

b.  It  is  always  sinful,  therefore,  to  some  degree. 

c.  Hence,  we  must  pay  our  debts. 

iii.  Under  this  heading  come  wages,  loans,  interest, 
rent,  etc. 

a.  They  are  all  real  debts  of  justice. 

b.  But  how  often  is  there  unnecessary  delay  in 

paying  them. 

iv.  We  must  economize,  so  as  to  be  able  to  meet  our 
liabilities.! 

Evils  of  delay : 

i.  Inconvenience  and  loss  to  creditors. 

a.  Tradesmen  have  goods  to  buy,  for  resale. 

b.  These  they  must  pay  for. 

c.  But  how  do  it,  if  their  own  dues  be  withheld  ? 

d.  All  know  the  inconvenience  of  want  of  money, 
ii.  Sometimes  such  delay  may  spell  ruin. 

a.  Tradespeople  being  thus  unable  to  pay  their 

way,  further  goods  are  refused  them. 

b.  What  responsibility  in  us,  to  place  them  in  such 

a  position ! 
iii.  Necessity  of  having  to  make  restitution,  founded  on 

a.  The  Natural  Law,  implanted  in  the  heart. 

b.  The  Divine  Law  of  God :    Ex.  xxii.  5 :    Mth. 

xxii.  21. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  51 

c.  The  Civil  Law  of  nations. 

d.  Duty  most  strictly  binding,  where  possible. 

e.  Duty  oftentimes  as  difficult  as  it  is  essential,  e.g. 

Through  human  respect,  fear  of  detection,  etc. 
iv.  Ill-feeling  between  neighbours : 

a.  Men  thus  defrauded  naturally  resent  the  evil. 

b.  Ill-feeling  may  then  spring  up,  which 

1.  May  deepen  into  hatred,  and 

2.  Lead  to  detraction,  calumny,  etc. 

c.  Thus  is  scandal  produced. 

v.  Scorn  and  ridicule  brought  on  Religion  :  for, 

a.  Too  often  "  Good  church-goers  are  bad  debt- 

payers." 

b.  Too  often  they  run  into  debt  for  mere  luxuries. 

c.  Too   often   they   borrow,  without   prospect   of 

being  able  to  repay ; 

d.  Too   often  they  take  offence,  when  asked  to 

settle  accounts ! 

e.  All  this  is  opposed  to  simple  honesty  and  true 

Religion. 

Hence  the  contempt  into  which  Religion  is 
brought. 

Lessons : 

i.  Ever  show  real  honesty  in  all  your  dealings  with 

others. 

ii.  Be  thoughtful  to  pay  your  just  debts  within  reason- 
able time, 
iii.  If  bound  to  restitution,  make  it  at  once. 

Conscience  cannot  rest  till  this  be  done.     Better 

still— 
iv.  Avoid  the  difficulty  of  restitution,  by  avoiding  the 

cause  of  it. 

v.  All  this  will  be  easy,  if  we  make  Christian  charity 
our  guide. 

*  I  always  owe  charity  to  others,  which  alone  when  paid  leaves 
me  still  their  debtor.  Mutual  love  I  willingly  give,  and  gladly 
receive.  When  I  receive  it,  I  still  demand  it,  and  when  I  pay  it,  I 
still  owe  it. — S.  Augustine. 

t  Let  no  man  ever  think  that  economy  is  meanness,  or  that  it 
is  to  be  despised.  It  is  he  who  saves  that  can  afford  to  give ;  and 
nothing  is  mean  which  is  honest,  and  which  enables  us  to  do  justice 
to  others. 


5a  SERMON  PLANS 


26.    THE   DECALOGUE. 

i.  S.  Paul  tells  us  charity  is  the  fulfilment  of  the  Law : 

Rom.  xiii.  10. 
ii.  He  then   goes  on   to  recall  a  good   part   of    this 

Law. 
iii.  Take  this  occasion  to  speak  on  the  Decalogue. 

The  Decalogue : 

i.  So  called  from  the  Greek,  meaning  "  ten  words." 
ii.  Comprises  the  ten  Commandments,  given  on  Sina : 
Ex.  xx. 

a.  A  compendium  of  Morals,  as  the  Creed  is  of 

Faith. 

b.  Explicit  statement  of  the  laws  of  truth,  order, 

and  justice, 
iii.  Like  God  Himself,  they  are 

Holy  .  .  .  True  .  .  .  Just  .  .  .  Unchangeable, 
iv.  Necessary  for  salvation. 

a.  Our  first  duty  to  God  is  belief  in  His  Reve- 

lation. 
Delivering  the  Mind  from  ignorance. 

b.  Our  second  duty  is  observance  of  His  Laws. 

Delivering  the  Heart  from  concupiscence. 

c.  Need  of  knowing  these  laws,  through  instruc- 

tion, etc. 
v.  Not  a  burden,  but  a  benefit  to  man,  even  here. 

The  parapet.* 
vi.  Divided  into 

a.  Positive :   requiring   a   thing   to   be   done :   e.g. 

the  4th. 

b.  Negative :    forbidding  a  thing  to  be  done :    e.g. 

the  7th. 
The  stream  and  its  banks. I 


53 


vii.  Binding 

a.  On  all  men,  unlike  human  laws. 

b.  Each  and  every  commandment : 

"  Whosoever  shall  offend  in  one  point  is  become  guilty  of 
all."    Jas.  ii.  10. 

One  instrument  out  of  tune  destroys  a  whole 

concerted  piece. 

One  weak  link  weakens  the  whole  chain, 
viii.  Therefore  possible  to  all. 

a.  God  is  wisdom,  goodness,  and  justice. 

b.  He  does  not,  can  not,  exact  the  impossible. 

c.  Grace  is  given  to  enable  us  to  observe  His  Law. 

d.  The  Saints  have  kept  it,  so  may  we. 
ix.  Confirmed  by  Christ  in  the  New  Law  : 

a.  By  His  teaching  and  doctrine. 

b.  By  His  example  in  life. 

c.  By  His  sending  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Lessons : 

i.  Learn,  understand  and  love  the  commandments. 

ii.  Humility,  in  submission- and  obedience  to  them, 
iii.  Petition  for  grace  in  temptation  against  them, 
iv.  Heaven  the  reward  of  observing  them. 


*  If  on  a  narrow  plank,  crossing  a  ravine,  a  parapet  is  raised  on 
either  side,  so  that  a  traveller  cannot  fall  into  the  abyss,  unless  he 
deliberately  leap  over  it,  no  one  would  consider  its  erection  a  piece 
of  tyranny,  or  an  unreasonable  curtailment  of  his  freedom  and 
liberty :  on  the  contrary,  it  is  a  benefit  bestowed  to  secure  his 
safety.  So  with  man,  on  his  way  to  eternity,  the  Commandments  are 
a  protection  to  him,  as  he  passes  along  the  plank  of  life,  guarding 
him  against  falling  into  the  deep  abyss  of  Hell. — Gaume. 

t  The  positive  precepts  are  like  so  many  different  streams, 
conveying  the  riches  of  a  fountain  to  various  parts  of  the  earth. 
The  negative  are  like  banks,  hindering  the  passions  from  troubling 
the  waters,  and  turning  them  out  of  their  course. — Gaume. 


54  SERMON  PLANS 


27.    PURITY  OF   INTENTION. 
"  All  things  do  ye  in  the  name  of  the  Lord."    Col.  iii.  17. 

i.  God  created  all  things  for  His  glory, 
ii.  We  should  do  all  for  the  same  motive, 
iii.  Such  practice  useful  to  our  own  souls  also. 

The  Glory  of  God : 

i.  Much  of  it  is  lost  on  earfh, 

a.  By  the  sins  of  men. 

b.  Through  forgetfulness  of  God. 

c.  Even  good  people  giving  God  the  second  place. 

Under  show  of  moderation,  human  respect,  etc. 
ii.  Zeal  of  Our  Lord  to  procure  His  Father's  glory:  e.g. 
His  stay  among  the  doctors :  Lke.  ii.  49. 
His  labours  for  souls. 
His  agony  over  sin  :  Mth.  xxvi. 
iii.  We  also  should  seek  God's  glory :  e.g.  by 

Purity  of  Intention : 

i.  Doing  even  our  most  trifling  acts  for  God  :  e.g. 

a.  Rising,  eating,  labour,  pain,  pleasure. 

b.  No  matter  how  trivial  the  act,  heavenly  motives 

sanctify  it. 
ii.  Through  the  offering  we  make  of  them  to  God : 

a.  On  waking,  for  the  whole  day. 

b.  And  again  before  our  chief  actions, 
iii.  Principle  grounded  on  Our  Lord's  promise. 

The  cup  of  cold  water :  Mth.  x.  42. 
'iv.  Turns  all  we  do  into  merit  for  eternity. 

A  true  "philosopher's  stone." 
a.  Most   of    the   Saints   sanctified    through    their 
common  actions. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  55 

b.  These  done  with  extraordinary  fervour  and  good 

motive. 

c.  We   thus  "pray   without   ceasing."     i  Thess. 

v.  17. 
v.  If  the  Saints  could  grieve,  it  would  be  over  loss  of 

glory,  through  neglect  of  this  practice, 
vi.  The  pity  we  should  fail  in  this ! 

a.  Our  labours  have  to  be  performed. 

b.  Our  sufferings  have  to  be  borne. 

Why  not  thus  sanctify  both  ? 

c.  Our  pleasures  in  no  way  diminished  by  it. 

S.  Charles  playing  chess.* 
vii.  This  spirit  of  oblation  begets  tender  familiarity  with 

God. 
The  childlike  freedom  of  the  Saints  springs  from  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  Adopt  this  truly  Catholic  and  simple  practice. 

The  habit  of  making  the  morning  offering  easily 

acquired. 

ii.  Apply  it  in  practice  to  the  whole  day,  to 
"All  whatsoever  you  do,  in  word  or  in  work." 
iii.  Atone  to  God  for  the  glory  He  is  robbed  of. 

The  "  A.M.D.G."  of  S.  Ignatius. f 
iv.  So  increase  daily  your  merit  for  eternity. 


*  When  others  were  saying  what  they  would  forthwith  begin  to 
do,  if  they  knew  that  they  should  die  within  an  hour,  S.Charles 
Borromeo  said  he  should  go  on  with  a  game  of  chess  he  was  engaged 
in,  for  he  began  it  simply  for  God's  glory,  and  he  desired  nothing 
better  than  to  be  called  away  in  the  midst  of  an  action  begun  for 
the  glory  of  God. — Faber. 

f  To  excite  himself  and  his  disciples  to  do  all  for  God,  S.  Ignatius 
ever  kept  before  him  the  words :  Ad  Majorem  Dei  Gloriam — the  motto 
now  of  the  Society  of  Jesus. 


SERMON  PLANS 


28.    MUSIC   IN   THE  CHURCH. 

••  In  hymns  and  spiritual  canticles,  singing  ...  to  God."  Col.  iii.  16. 
i.  The  fine  arts  thrive  best  as  handmaids  of  Religion, 
ii.  Among  them    all,  the  Church    especially   interests 

herself  in  Music. 

iii.  The  voice  of  Praise,  the  earth's  answer  to  its  Maker's 
word  of  Creation. 

Music  (Vocal  and  Instrumental) : 
i.  Always,  and  everywhere  part  of  Divine  Worship. 

Expressing  gratitude,  joy,  sorrow,  etc. 
ii.  Common  among  the  Hebrews :  e.g. 

The  Canticle  of  Moses,  the  oldest  recorded.  Ex.  xv. 
Especially  David's  psalms,  called  the  "  Book  of 

Praise." 

Choirs  of  Levites  in  the  Tabernacle :  i  Par.  xxiii.  5. 
Dedication  of  the  Temple :  2  Par.  vii.  6. 
Harps,  cymbals  and  trumpets :  i  Par.  xiii.  8. 
iii.  The  Christian  religion  has  always  used  Music :  e.g. 
The  Introit,  Kyric,  etc.,  in  the  Liturgy. 
Vespers,  Benediction,  etc. 

a.  As  authorized  by  Our  Lord. 

Angels  sang  at  His  birth  :  Lke.  ii.  14. 

"  Hosanna,"   on   His  entry  into  Jerusalem : 

Jn.  xii.  13. 
He  rebuked  the  Pharisees  for  condemning  this: 

Mth.  xxi.  1 6. 

b.  Recommended  by  the  Apostle : 

S.  Paul    to    the    Ephesians,   v.    19:  to  the 

Colossians,  iii.  16. 

S.  John's  vision  of  Heaven  :  Apoc.  v.  9. 
iv.  The  Church  has  a  style  of  Music  her  own : 

As  shown  by  many  decrees  and  regulations. 
a.  Plain  Chant,  parts  coming  down  from  the  days 
of  the  Temple. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  57 

b.  Chorale  Style,  after  the  Palestrina  school,  16  c. 

c.  Figured  music  tolerated,  if  grave  and  devotional. 

S.Cecily,  Patroness  of  Church  Music:  Nov.  22. 
v.  Objects  of  using  music  in  Church  Services : 

a.  To  give  glory  to  God. 

b.  To  give  edification  to  our  neighbour. 

Experience  of  S.  Augustine.* 

c.  To  devote  all  our  talents  to  the  service  of  Him 

who  gave  them. 

vi.  All  should  take  part,  if  possible,  in  the  singing  in 
Church. 

a.  God's  praise  and   love  must  of   course  come 

from  the  heart.     But, 

b.  Our  voices  are  from  God,  therefore  use  them  to 

His  glory. 

c.  He  requires  the  homage  of  the  whole  man,  body 

and  soul. 

d.  Hence  prayer  in  song  the  best  form  of  praise. 

Qui  bene  cantat  bis  orat. 

e.  Congregational  singing  much  to  be  desired : 

1.  Expressing  spiritual  joy  of  the  hearts  of 

the  Faithful. 

2.  Exciting  to  fervour  and  devotion. 

/.  Even  if  we  understand  not  the  words,  we  know 

their  object. 
A  statue  gives  honour  to  God's  house. 

Lessons : 

i.  Join  in  the  public  singing  and  prayers  of  the  Church, 
ii.  Consider  it  a  privilege  to  take  a  share  in  the  services, 
iii.  Exert  your  influence  in  favour  of  true  ecclesiastical 
music. 

"  Psallite  sapienter."     Ps.  xlvi.  8. 

*  "  What  tears  did  I  shed,  under  the  powerful  emotion  caused 
by  listening  in  Thy  Church  to  the  hymns  and  canticles  sung  to  the 
glory  of  Thy  name !  While  these  sounds  struck  my  ears,  Thy 
Truth  flowed  into  my  heart,  exciting  within  me  the  deepest  piety." 
— Confess,  ix. 


58  SERMON  PLANS 


29.    PRAYER   FOR   EACH   OTHER. 
"  Making  a  remembrance  of  yon  in  our  prayers."     i  Thess.  i.  2. 

i.  The  Apostle  here  gives  us  the  example  of  thoughtful 

charity, 
ii.  Consider  this  practice  of  praying  for  each  other. 

We  are  all  brethren : 

i.  All  children  of  the  same  Father, 
ii.  Hence  the  wants  of    others  should   be  to  us  as 

our  own. 

When  one  member  of  our  body  suffers,  all  suffer, 
iii.  In  the  epistles,  the  Faithful  are  styled  "  Brethren." 
iv.  We  should  help  each  other  as  members  of  the  same 

family. 
This  especially  by  prayer. 

Prayer  for  others: 

i.  Recommended 

a.  By  Our  Lord's  own  words. 

"  Our  Father,"  (not  "  my  ") :  Mth.  vi.  9. 

b.  By  the  Apostle : 

"  Pray  one  for  another :  "  Jas.  v.  16. 

c.  By  the  practice  of  the  Church : 

"  Pray  for  us,"  (plural)  in  the  Litanies, 
ii.  Avails  more  than  prayer  for  ourselves  only. 

Because  thus  accompanied  by  charity  for  others. 
iii.  This  intercessory  prayer 

a.  Tends  to  advance  the  glory  of  God. 

b.  Brings  many  graces  to  souls. 
iv.  Persons  for  whom  we  should  pray : 

a.  Those  in  sin,  or  outside  the  Church. 
Practice  of  S.  Teresa.* 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  59 

b.  Those  in  lukewarmness  or  tepidity. 

c.  Those  in  sorrow,  spiritual  or  temporal. 

d.  The  sick  and  the  dying. 

How  much  depends  on  the  hour  of  death ! 

e.  Our  relations,  friends,  and  benefactors. 
/.  Even  our  enemies :  Mth.  v.  44. 

v.  Founded  on  the  dogma  of  the  Communion  of  Saints. 
Hereby  the  Faithful  may  assist  each  other  by 
prayer  and  good  works. 

Examples : 

Job  prayed  for  his  friends  :  Job  xlii.  8. 
Judith,  asking  for  prayers:  Jud.  viii.  31. 
Jeremiah,  for  Israel:  Jer.  xiv.  n. 
The  Church,  for  S.  Peter :  Acts  xii.  5. 
S.  Paul  asks  for  prayers :  Rom.  xv.  30. 
Our  Lord,  for  His  disciples:  Jn.  xvii.  n. 
Also  for  His  enemies :  Lke.  xxiii.  34. 
S.  Stephen,  for  Saul :  Acts  vii.  59. 

Lessons : 

i.  Imitate  this  practice  of  the  Apostle, 
ii.  Hesitate  not  to  ask  for  prayers. 

iii.  When   promising   prayers   to   others,  don't   fail   to 
say  them. 


*  S.  Teresa  gives  this  as  a  reason  for  founding  her  convents  that, 
as  there  are  so  many  that  offend  God,  nuns  ought  to  pray  for  their 
conversion,  especially  for  the  defenders  of  the  Church,  for  preachers 
and  learned  men  who  maintain  its  truth.  She  spent  whole  nights 
praying  and  weeping  for  the  conversion  of  souls,  especially  those 
infected  with  heresy. — Faber. 


60  SERMON  PLANS 


30.    THE   PRESENCE  OF  GOD. 

"  Before  God  and  our  Father."     i  Thess.  i.  3. 

i.  S.  Paul  reminds  the  Thessalonians  of  their  work 
"  before  God,"  i*.  of  their  work  as  done  in  God's 
presence. 

ii.  Take  occasion  to  consider  the  practice  of  the 
presence  of  God. 

Motives ; 

i.  Equity: 

a.  We  must  not  forget  a  friend. 

"  Forget  not  thy  friend  in  thy  mind."     Ecclus.  xxxvii.  6. 

b.  Still    less,   God   to  whom   we  owe   so  much. 

Jas.  i.  17. 
ii.  Examples  of  the  Saints  of  all  ages : 

Henoch  walked  with  God :  Gen.  v.  24. 
Noah,  in  like  manner :  Gen.  vi.  9. 
Abraham  and  Isaac:  Gen.  xlviii.  15. 
The  Patriarchs  ever  spoke  of  God. 

"  Out    of    the    abundance    of   the    heart    the     mouth 
speaketh."     Mth.  xii.  34. 

Saints  of  the  New  Law,  as  seen  in  their  lives 

and  writings, 
iii.  A  restraint  in  temptation : 

a.  Impossible    to    commit    grievous    sin,    if    we 
remember  God's  presence, 

1.  Who  sees  our  every  action  and  thought. 

2.  Who  holds  in  His  hand  the  thread  of  our  lives. 

3.  Who  has  power  to  cast  us  into  Hell :  Lke.  xii.  5. 

No  one  would  dare  to  break  the  law  under 
the  very  eyes  of  his  King ! 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  61 

b.  How  should  we  act  in  presence  of  some  great 

one  of  the  earth  ? 

Even  the  pagan  Seneca  recognized  the  force 
of  this  thought. 

c.  If  God  manifested  Himself  visibly,  who  would 

dare  to  resist  ? 

d.  Yet  Faith  should  remind  us  of  His  real  presence, 

though  invisible,  and  so  restrain  passion. 
Joseph  under  temptation :  Gen.  xxxix.  9. 
Conversion  of  S.  Thais :  Oct.  8. 
iv.  Powerful  incentive  to  virtue.* 

"  Walk  before  Me  and  be  perfect."    Gen.  xvii.  i. 

a.  God  sees  also  and  will  reward  our  good  works. 

The  cup  of  cold  water :  Mth.  x.  42. 

b.  Such  thought  encourages  to  do  good. 

c.  Especially  helpful  in  prayer,  against  distraction, 
v.  A  great  comfort  in  affliction. 

a.  God  watches  our  combats  with  evil. 

S.  Antony  amid  temptation  :  Jan.  17. 

b.  He  beholds  our  sufferings  and  trials. 

Job  and  his  many  crosses. 

c.  If  borne  for  God,  these  too  become  meritorious. 

d.  God  seeing  us  thus,  tempers  the  trial :  i  Cor.  x.  13. 

Lessons : 

i.  Exercise  the  presence  of  God,  by 

a.  Remembrance   of   Bethlehem,  or   Calvary,   or 

the  Blessed  Sacrament,  etc. 

b.  Lively  faith  in  His  real  presence  around  us. 

Especially  in  temptation  and  trial, 
ii.  Make  occasional  use  of  pious  ejaculations, 
iii.  Morning  offering  of  all  to  God. 

iv.  Have  some  special  occasions  for  thinking  of  His 
presence,  each  day. 

*  No  building  can  be  raised  to  any  great  height,  unless  it  rest 
on  a  solid  foundation.  In  like  manner,  the  practice  of  Perfection 
can  never  rise  to  any  high  degree,  except  it  be  based  on  the  ground- 
work of  the  Divine  Presence,  ever  borne  in  mind. — Saint  Jwe. 


6a  SERMON  PLANS 


31.  GOD'S  FAVOURS  TO  HIS  PEOPLE. 

i.  The  epistle  names  some  of  God's  mercies  to  H  is  people, 
ii.  These  typical  of  His  mercies  to  us. 

Our  fathers  were  all  under  the  cloud : 
i.  The  cloud  spoken  of  in  Exodus  xiii. 
ii.  A  cloud  by  day,  against  the  sun's  rays  in  the  desert. 
iii.  A  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  to  give  light, 
iv.  For  forty  years  it  went  before  the  Jews  as  their  guide. 

An  angel  in  charge  of  it,  to  direct  its  movements. 
v.  Leaving  Egypt  under  its  guidance,  the  Jews  reached 
the  sea. 

All  passed  through  the  sea : 
i.  The  N.W.  arm  of  the  Red  Sea. 
ii.  The  cloud    standing    between    the  Jews   and    the 

Egyptians. 

To  the  former  a  light ;  to  the  latter,  darkness. 
iii.  Moses  stretched  his  rod  over  the  sea,  and  the  waters 

divided. 

iv.  The  Hebrews  crossed  safely  during  the  night. 
v.  In  the  morning,  the  Egyptians  seeing  this,  followed ; 

but, 

vi.  The  waters  closed  in,  and  not  one  of  them  escaped, 
vii.  Canticle  of  Moses,  the  most  ancient  recorded :  Ex.  xv. 

All  were  baptized  in  the  cloud  and  the  sea : 

i.  The  cloud,  type  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

a.  The  light  of  God  to  our  path,  as  the  cloud  was 

to  the  Jews. 

b.  The  love  of  God,  cooling  our  passions,  as  the 

cloud  did  the  sun's  rays. 

ii.  Passage  of  the  Red  Sea,  type  of  Baptism,  in  which 
a.  Our  souls  are  reddened  in  the  Blood  of  Our 
Redeemer. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  63 

b.  Concupiscence  and  passion  are  cooled  down. 

c.  Moses  is  type  of  Our  Lord,  the  leader  of  His 

people. 

d.  The  rod  a  type  of  the  Cross. 

e.  Pharao  and  his  Egyptians,  type  of  the  Devil 

and  his  angels. 
/.  Israel  represents  those  who  receive  Baptism. 

All  received  the  same  spiritual  food  and  drink : 

i.  Good  and  bad  fed  on  the  manna. 

Type  of  the  Holy  Eucharist,  our  spiritual  food, 
ii.  Good  and  bad  drank  the  water  from  the  rock. 

Type   of  the  Precious  Blood,  quenching  passion 

and  sin. 
iii.  The  spiritual  (typical)  rock  is  Christ  Our  Lord.* 

With  most  of  them  God  not  well  pleased : 

i.  In  spite  of  such  mercies,  the  Jews  often  rebelled, 
ii.  Hence  God  was  not  pleased  with  them : 

a.  Only  two  of  their  great  number  reached  Cana : 

Numb.  xiv.  30. 

b.  The  carcases  of  the  rest  were  strewn  in  the 

wilderness :  Numb.  xiv.  29. 
iii.  Lessons  for  ourselves. 

a.  God  bestows  many  blessings  on  us  of  every  kind. 

But  we  must  not  presume  on    His   favours 
of  the  past. 

b.  Let  us  be  grateful,  and  order  our  lives  accord- 

ingly. 

c.  Especial  care  due  to  the  Bl.  Eucharist,  to  be 

received  shortly. 

d.  Otherwise  we  may  commit  sacrilege  and  perish. 

Being  excluded  from  the  true  land  of  Cana, 
Heaven. 

*  A  Jewish  tradition  says  that  the  rock  struck  by  Moses 
miraculously  followed  the  Hebrews  and  wandered  about  with 
them,  supplying  them  with  water  for  their  daily  wants,  till  they 
reached  the  Promised  Land.  Numb.  xxi.  16. 


64  SERMON  PLANS 


32.    THE  THREE  ENEMIES  OF  THE  SOUL. 

i.  S.  Paul   reminds  the  Corinthians  of  their   famous 

public  games. 

Most  expressive  to  them  of  the  value  of  a  prize, 
ii.  From  this  idea  he  exhorts  them  to  strive  for  the 

eternal  prize. 

iii.  We  also  have  to  struggle  and  fight :  our  chief  enemies 
are  three,  viz. : 

I.  The  Devil: 

i.  Created  in  innocence,  but  subjected  to  a  trial, 
ii.  Fall  of  one- third  of  the  Angels,  and  their  punishment: 

2  Pet.  ii.  4. 

iii.  Now  suffering  the  pain  of  loss  and  fire,  for  ever, 
iv.  Occupied 

a.  In  cursing  and  blaspheming  God. 

b.  In  tempting  men  to  sin, 

1.  Through  hatred  of  God. 

2.  Through  envy  of  man. 

3.  Through  enmity  to  all  that  is  good. 

c.  In  accusing  souls  before  the  Judgment  Seat, 
v.  They  tempt  unceasingly  to  all  and  every  sin. 

4,  Those  especially  who  are  aiming  at  perfection. 

b.  According    to    the    inclinations    of    each    one 

tempted. 

c.  With  the  cunning  and  experience  of  long  ages, 
vi.  To  be  resisted  by  prayer,  and  the  sign  of  the  Cross. 

II.  The  World:  i.e. 

i.  The  maxims  of  the  world :  e.g. 

a.  Earthly  pleasure  man's  true  happiness. 

b.  Wealth  to  be  got  at  any  price. 

c.  Injuries  to  be  returned. 

d.  Poverty  to  be  despised. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  65 

ii.  Society  of  those  who  love  vanities,  riches  and  pleasures 

more  than  God. 
iii.  Maxims  which  are  false  and  opposed  to  those  of  the 

Gospel, 
iv.  To  be  overcome  by  contempt  for  worldly  custom,  by 

moral  courage. 

III.  The  Flesh: 

i.  Our  own  bodies  and  the  senses, 
ii.  Hankering  after  ease  and  forbidden  pleasures, 
iii.  Corrupt  from  the  time  of  Adam's  fall, 
iv.  Most  dangerous,  because 

a.  Always  with  us. 

b.  Alluring  most  powerfully  to  sin. 
v.  Yet  we  must  not  be  discouraged,  for 

a.  Such  temptations  may  result  merely  from  past 

sin. 

b.  If  borne  in  patience,  they  atone  for  sin. 

c.  They  are  perhaps  the  punishment  of  our  pride. 

d.  Many  Saints  have  been  assaulted  by  them. 

S.  Paul :  2  Cor.  xii.  7. 
S.  Mary  of  Egypt :  Apl.  9. 
S.  Jerome :  Sept.  30. 
S.  Francis  of  Assisi :  Oct.  4. 
vi.  To  be  subdued  by  mortification  and  penance. 

Lessons ; 

i.  Know  well  the  enemies  of  the  soul ;  then, 
ii.  To  overcome  them, 

a.  Watch  against  occasions  of  sin. 

b.  Pray  for  God's  aid  and  strength. 

c.  Fight  by  positive  efforts  at  resistance, 
iii.  "  So  run  that  you  may  obtain." 


66  SERMON  PLANS 


33.    SCANDAL. 

"  Who  is  scandalized  and  I  am  not  on  fire  ?  "     2  Cor.  xi.  29. 

i.  To  take  the  bodily  life  of  another  is  a  crime  crying 

vengeance, 
ii.  To  destroy  the  spiritual  life  of  the  soul,  a  more 

grievous  crime. 

For  the  soul  is  more  precious  than  the  body, 
iii.  Well  may  the  Apostle  display  his  anguish  at  the 

thought  of  scandal. 

iv.  Yet  scandal  is  a  most  common  sin,  worthy  of  serious 
consideration. 

Scandal : 

i.  Any  word,  deed  or  omission,  calculated  to  lead  others 

to  sin. 

ii.  Most  sinful,  because  of  our  proneness  to  imitate  evil, 
iii.  They  are  guilty  of  scandal,  who 

a.  Counsel  evil,  or  provoke  to  it :  e.g. 

Anger  through  raillery ;  or  theft,  etc. 

b.  Teach  or  suggest  evil :  e.g. 

By  indecent  dress,  act  or  language. 

c.  Ridicule  piety  and  virtue  in  others ; 

Which  advances  the  reign  of  wickedness. 

d.  Give  bad  example  to  those  under  their  charge: 

Parents,  by  cursing,  quarrelling,  etc. 
iv.  The  grievousness  of  scandal  seen  thus : 

a.  It  does  the  work  of  Satan,  who  tries  to  ruin 

souls. 

b.  It  undoes  the  work  of  Christ,  who  came  to  save 

them. 

c.  It  contains  a  two-fold  guilt :  viz.  against 

1.  The  love  we  owe  to  God  and  our  neighbour. 

2.  The  virtue  violated,  or  likely  to  be. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  67 

d.  Its  effects  may  extend  to  all  time,  as  ripples 

spread  on  the  water. 
Examples  of  Luther,  Henry  VIII. 
Irreligious  and  immoral  writings. 

e.  Hear  the  curses  uttered  against  it : 

"  Wo    to    that    man    by   whom    the   scandal   cometh." 

Mth.  xviii.  7. 
"  Wo   to   you  .   .  .  because  you  shut  the    kingdom   of 

Heaven."     Ib.  xxiii.  13. 

v.  Nothing    causes    greater    fear    in   death   than   the 
thought  of  scandal  given. 

Berengarius.* 
Yet  how  common  in  the  world,  in  various  forms ! 

Reparation  of  Scandal : 

i.  As    necessary,   where   possible,   as   in   the   case   of 

injustice, 
ii.  Often  most  difficult,  as  the  evil  can  seldom  be 

reached, 
iii.  Yet  something  may  and  must  be  done :  e.g. 

a.  Retractation  of  the  evil  committed. 

b.  Good  example  for  the  future.     Mth.  v.  16. 

c.  Prayer  for  the  scandalized  ;  and 

d.  Penance  and  self-denial,  to  appease  God's  anger. 

Lessons : 

i.  Try  to  realize  the  terrible  nature  of  Scandal ! 
ii.  Know  that  it  may  be  given  by  the  open  neglect  of 

Religion :  e.g. 

Omission  of  Sunday  Mass,  Easter  Communion, 
iii.  Make  what  reparation  you  can  for  the  past, 
iv.  Avoid  it  now,  for  the  future  :  our  own  sins  are  enough 

for  us ;  and, 
v.  Pray  for  the  success  of  Our  Lord's  work  in  souls. 


*  Berengarius,  in  the  xith  c.  denied  the  Real  Presence  and 
brought  many  others  into  his  error.  On  his  death-bed,  he  was 
seized  with  a  great  fear.  "  I  am  about  to  appear,"  he  exclaimed, 
"  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ :  for  my  own  sins  I  hope  for 
pardon :  but  for  the  sins  I  have  made  others  commit,  I  have  the 
greatest  fear :  I  tremble  lest  I  be  lost,  for  I  know  not  how  to  repair 
the  evil  I  have  done." — Power. 


68  SERMON   PLANS 


34.    JOY   IN   TRIBULATION. 

"  Gladly  will  I  glory  in  my  infirmity."     2  Cor.  xii.  9. 

i.  These  the  words  of  S.  Paul,  after  relating  his  trials 

and  God's  promise  of  grace, 
ii.  We  also  should  endeavour  to  rejoice  in  trials. 
iii.  Two  kinds  call  for  consideration. 

I.  Spiritual  Trials:  e.g.  temptations:  i.e. 

i.  Whatever  may  lead  us  to  offend  God. 
ii.  Not  sinful  in  themselves,  but  only  when  consented  to. 

Our  Lord  Himself  was  tempted :  Mth.  iv. 
iii.  Of  various  kinds :  viz.  from  the  Devil,  the  World, 

the  Flesh, 
iv.  Serve  many  good  purposes :  e.g. 

a.  To  keep  us  humble. 

"  Lest  the  greatness  of  the  revelations  should  exalt  me." 
2  Cor.  xii.  7. 

b.  To  show  our  weakness  and  the  power  of  grace. 

"  What    doth    he    know   that    hath    not    been    tried." 
Ecclus.  xxxiv.  9. 

c.  To    enrich    us:    every    temptation    overcome 

means  fresh  merit. 

Saints  have  prayed  for  temptations  and  grace 
to  bear  them. 

d.  To    atone    for    past    sin,    from    which    they 

sometimes  spring. 
An  encouragement  to  bear  them. 

v.  Thus,   though    a  trial,   they   must    not   depress   or 
discourage. 

"  Count    it    all    joy    when   you   shall   fall    into    divers 
temptations."    Jas.  i.  2. 

Because  of  the  good  they  may  do  you. 

"  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation."  Jas.  i.  12. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  69 

II.  Temporal  Trials :  e.g. 
i.  Sickness  and  Suffering : 

a.  Robust  health  not  always  the  best  thing  for 

holiness. 
S.Teresa:  Oct.  15.* 

b.  The  soul  often  stronger  and  more  detached  in 

weak  health. 

c.  God's  power  made  perfect  in  our  infirmities,  by 

His  grace  enabling  us  to  bear  them. 
Job,  in  his  many  trials. 

S.  Lidwina,  in  sickness  for  38  years.   Apl.  14. 
ii.  Our  daily  toil : 

a.  We  all  have  something  to  bear. 

Rich  and  poor  alike ;  high  and  low. 

b.  Each  one  has  duties  to  fulfil  and  corresponding 

difficulties. 

c.  Here   also   God's   Grace   will    strengthen   and 

assist  us. 

d.  No  state  of  life  in  which  God's  power  may  not 

shine  forth :  e.g. 

Kings:  S.  Louis,  Aug.  25 :  S.  Edward,  Oct.  13. 
Servants :  S.  Zita,  Apl.  27. 
Soldiers :    S.  George,    Apl.  23 :    S.  Maurice, 

Sept.  22. 
High  Rank :  S.  Jane  de  Chantal.     Aug.  21. 

e.  Perfection  consists  in  doing  our  ordinary  actions 

extraordinarily  well, 
iii.  Similarly,  other   trials :    e.g.    loss   of  fame,  wealth, 

friends,  etc. 

Rejoice    and    be    glad   in   their    midst,   like   the 
Apostle. 

Lessons : 

i.  As  trials  are  the  lot  of  each  one,  bear  them  cheerfully. 

a.  So  to  sanctify  them  and  render  them  meritorious. 

b.  So  to  lighten  their  weight. 

ii.  Grace  will  enable  us  to  bear  them  all. 
iii.  Grace  given  to  those  who  rightly  seek  it. 

*  S.  Teresa  had  a  great  desire  to  die,  that  she  might  be  speedily 
united  to  God,  but  this  her  desire  was  tempered  by  an  ardent 
longing  to  suffer  for  His  love.  Her  prayer  was:  "To  die  or  to 
suffer :  I  beg  no  other  thing  for  myself."  Her  request  was  granted, 
and  by  years  of  patient  suffering  in  mind  and  body,  she  rose  to 
great  heights  of  sanctity. — Her  Life. 


TO  SERMON   PLANS 


35.    THE   THEOLOGICAL  VIRTUES. 
"  Faith,  Hope,  Charity."     i  Cor.  xiii.  13. 

i.  These  the  three  theological  virtues, 
ii.  The  greatest  of  these  is  Charity  ;  for,  in  Heaven, 

a.  Faith  will  be  exchanged  for  vision. 

b.  Hope,  for  fruition  and  possession  ;  but, 

c.  Charity  shall  remain  for  ever, 
iii.  Consider  now  the  first  two  of  these. 

Theological  Virtues: 

i.  So  called  (from  the  Greek),  because  relating  imme- 
diately to  God. 

ii.  Placed  at  the  head  of  the  virtues,  as  the  noblest  of  all. 

iii.  Infused  into  the  soul  in  Baptism. 

iv.  Strengthened  by  the  worthy  reception  of  other 
Sacraments. 

v.  Excel  all  other  virtues,  which  must  find  their 
root  herein. 

vi.  Acts  of  these  virtues  should  be  made,  e.g. 

a.  When  we  come  to  the  use  of  reason. 

b.  Frequently  in  life. 

c.  In  temptations  against  them. 

d.  In  the  hour  of  danger  and  death. 

Faith : 

i.  Supernatural  belief  in  God  and  His  revealed  truth, 
ii.  Absolutely  necessary  for  salvation. 

"  He  that  l>elieveth  not  shall  Ix;  condemned."     Mrk.  xvi.  16. 
"  Without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  God."     Heb.  xi.  6. 

iii.  Lost  by  apostasy,  heresy  and  wilful  doubts. 
Oftentimes  not  regained. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  71 

iv.  Exercised  by 

a.  Formal  acts  of  the  virtue. 

b.  Acts  of  Religion  :  e.g.  attendance  at  Church. 

c.  Open    profession    of     it  :   e.g.    observance    of 

fast-days, 
v.  Effects  of  Faith : 

a.  It  is  a  foundation  of  the  other  virtues. 

b.  It  gives  merit  to  our  good  deeds. 

c.  It  is  the  source  of  our  victory  over  the  world. 

i  Jn.  v.  4. 
vi.  Examples : 

Abraham,  sacrificing  his  son :  Gen.  xxii.  8. 
The  Martyrs,  dying  rather  than  deny  it. 
The  Confessors,  suffering  for  professing  it. 

Hope: 

i.  Supernatural    confidence    that    God    will    give   us 

salvation  and  all  means  necessary  to  it. 
ii.  Necessary  for  salvation  : 

"  Without  Me  you  can  do  nothing."    Jn.  xv.  5. 
"  We  are  saved  by  hope."     Rom.  viii.  24. 

iii.  Lost  by  grievous  sins  of  presumption  and  despair, 
iv.  Exercised  by : 

a.  Formal  acts  of  the  virtue. 

b.  Prayer  and  petition. 

c.  Courage  and  patience  in  trial, 
v.  Effects  of  Hope  : 

a.  Resolution  in  the  service  of  God. 

b.  Triumph  over  temptation  and  difficulty. 

c.  Peace  of  mind  in  trouble  and  pain. 
vi.  Examples : 

Job,  in  his  trials:  Job  xiii.  15. 
David,  throughout  the  psalms. 
The    woman,    touching    Our     Lord's    garment. 
Mth.  ix.  21. 

Resolution  to  exercise  these  virtues,  as  necessity  may 
require. 


72  SERMON  PLANS 


36.     CHARITY. 
"The  greatest  of  these  is  Charity."     i  Cor.  xiii.  13. 

i.  The  whole  of  to-day's  Epistle  sings  the  praises  of 

Charity, 
ii.  Its  excellence  is  established  on  the  ground  of 

a.  Its  necessity  for  salvation  :  (verses  i,  2,  3). 

b.  Its  utility :  (4 — 7),  and 

c.  Its  perpetuity  even  throughout  eternity :  (8 — 13). 
iii.  Study    this  "  Queen    of    Virtues,"  in    its    two-fold 

branch :  viz. 

I.  Charity  towards  God : 

i.  Supernatural  love  of  God  above  all  things. 
ii.  Essential  to  salvation. 

"  If  I  have  not  charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing."  I  Cor.  xiii.  3. 
iii.  Lost  by  any  grievous  sin,  but  especially  by  hatred  of 

God. 
iv.  Exercised  and  shown  by : 

a.  Formal  acts  of  the  virtue. 

b.  Observance  of  God's  commandments:  Jn.xiv.  15. 

c.  Obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  Church:  Lke.  x.  16. 

d.  Frequent  thought  of  God  :  Mth.  vi.  21. 

e.  Willingly  speaking  of  Him  :  Lke.  vi.  45. 
/.  Opening  the  heart  to  Him  :  Judg.  xvi.  15. 
g.  Doing  His  will :  Jn.  xiv.  31. 

h.  Repentance  for  sin. 
v.  Effects: 

a.  Zeal  for  God's  honour  and  glory. 

b.  Sorrow  for  sin. 

c.  Esteem  of  grace. 

d.  Joy,  strength  and  merit. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  73 

vi.  Examples : 

Abraham,  offering  his  son  :  Gen.  xxii. 

Joseph,  preferring  prison  to  sin :  Ibid,  xxxix. 

The  three  children,  refusing  to  adore  idols :  Dan.  iii. 

Susanna,  in  temptation  :  Ibid.  xiii. 

Magdalen's  repentance :  Lke.  vii.  47. 


II.  Charity  towards  man : 

i.  Love  of  our  neighbour  in  and  for  God. 
ii.  As  necessary  as  love  of  God. 

"Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself."     Mth.  xxii.  39. 
"  I  command  you,  that  you  love  one  another."    Jn.  xv.  17. 

iii.  Lost  by  grievous  sins  of  hatred,  envy,  injustice,  etc. 
iv.  Shown  by : 

a.  Exercise  of  the  works  of  mercy. 

b.  Congratulation,  or  sympathy,  with  others. 

c.  Willingness  to  oblige. 

d.  Repression  of  rancour,  ill-feeling,  etc. 
v.  Examples : 

Abraham  and  Lot :  Gen.  xiii. 

David,  fighting  for  his  people :  i  Kgs.  xvii.  36. 

Judith,  before  Holophernes :  Jud.  xiii. 

Esther,  interceding  for  her  people :  Esth.  viL 

Mary,  visiting  S.  Elizabeth  :  Lke.  i.  39. 

S.  Martin,  ready  to  live  and  labour :  Nov.  1 1. 

Lessons : 

i.  Observe  this  beautiful  law  of  Charity. 

"  There  are  two  precepts,  but  only  one  Charity."     51.  Aug. 

ii.  It  is  a  matter,  not  of  counsel  but,  of  strict  obligation, 
iii.  Salvation  depends  on  the  observance   of    it  in  its 
two- fold  form. 


74  SERMON  PLANS 


37.     ABUSE   OF   GRACE. 
"Receive  not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain."     2  Cor  vi.  i. 

i.  Words  appropriate  to  the  time  of  Lent,  "  an  accept- 
able time." 
ii.  They  should  lead  us  to  spend  it  in  the  right  spirit. 

Actual  graces : 

i.  Transient   divine   influences,  enabling   us   to   avoid 

evil  and  do  good. 
ii.  Of  two  kinds : 

a.  Exterior  :  e.g.  a  mission,  good  example,  sermons : 

Nathan,  in  regard  to  David :  2  Kgs.  xii.  7. 
Jonas,  as  to  the  Ninevites :  Jon.  iii. 

b.  Interior :   e.g.  inspirations   of   the   Holy  Ghost, 

remorse, 
iii.  Of  these  we  have  all  received  in  abundance :  e.g. 

Calls  of  the  priest. 

Warnings  of  sickness  or  misfortune. 

This  Lent,  a  further  grace, 
iv.  What  profit  have  we  drawn  from  them  ? 

a.  Have  we  improved  ? 

b.  Are  we  resolved  on  a  better  future  ? 
v.  God  has  numbered  the  graces  of  each  one. 

"  Thou  hast  ordered  all  things  in  measure  and  number  and 
weight."     Wisd.  xi.  21. 

a.  He  numbers  the  flowers,  the  insects,  the  births 

of  men,  etc. 

b.  So  also  His  graces,  to  some  more,  to  others 

less. 

To  all  sufficient,  and  in  all  justice, 
vi.  Hence  the  need  of  the  warning  given  in  the  text. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  75 

Abuse  of  grace : 

i.  Many  neglect  the  graces  offered  them :  e.g. 

They  heed  not  the  voice  of  the  priest.* 

They  seize  not  the  occasions  of  mercy :  e.g.  Lent. 

They  stifle  the  voice  of  conscience, 
ii.  A  time  comes  when  God  will  give  no  more. 

Pharao,  after  repeated  warnings,  was  ruined, 
iii.  Threats  of  God  against  this  abuse : 

The  ungrateful  guest:  Mth.  xxii.  13. 

The  barren  fig-tree :  Lke.  xiii.  7. 

Jerusalem :  Lke.  xix.  44. 
iv.  Let  us  then  beware. 

a.  This  Lent  will  be  the  last  for  thousands. 

b.  To  all  it  is  a  time  of  grace ;  therefore, 

"Harden  not  your  hearts."     Ps.  xciv.  8. 
v.  Abuse  of  grace  hardens  the  heart. 

a.  Grace  makes  no  further  impression. 

b.  Further  graces  are  withheld  ;  then 

c.  Final  impenitence  follows,  and  eternal  loss. 

Lessons : 

i.  Pray  God  to  impress  upon  you  the  value  of  grace, 
ii.  Resolve  to  spend  Lent  well :  so, 

a.  To  repair  the  past ;  and 

b.  To  guard  against  future  relapse. 

iii.  Profit  by  this  time  of  grace,  and  deserve  others. 

These  will  lead  to  final  perseverance  and  eternal 
salvation. 


*  During  a  mission  given  in  a  large  town  of  the  north  of 
England,  one  great  sinner  was  repeatedly  urged  to  attend  it,  and 
make  his  peace  with  God — one  more  grace  offered  to  him.  Despite 
all  entreaties,  however,  he  refused  and  never  went  near.  Only 
a  fortnight  after  the  mission  was  ended,  he  took  very  suddenly  ill, 
and  sent  for  the  priest.  The  latter  hastened  to  the  house  with 
all  speed,  but  only  to  find,  on  his  arrival,  that  the  unhappy  man 
had  already  breathed  his  last ! 


76  SERMON  PLANS 


38.     THE  ACCEPTABLE  TIME. 
"  Behold  now  is  the  acceptable  time."    2  Cor.  vi.  2. 

Now  the  acceptable  time : 

i.     The  present  moment :  but  when  will   men  under- 
stand ? 
ii.  They  put  off  their  conversion  to  God, 

a.  Thinking  some  future  day  more  befitting. 

Yet  St.  Paul  distinctly  says  "  now." 

b.  Thinking  conversion  will  be  easier. 

1.  Yet  the  older  the  tree,  the  deeper  its  roots. 

2.  So  also  with  our  passions. 

c.  Presuming  on  the  mercy  of  God. 

But    He    has    not   promised   mercy   to   the 

presumptuous, 
iii.  Danger  of  delay. 

a.  When  grace  calls,  then  is  the  acceptable  time. 

b.  It  is  often  given  only  for  a  moment,  and  must 

then  be  seized. 

c.  If  not  accepted,  it  is  lost,  and  another  may  not 

be  given. 
Death  in  the  Hospital.* 

d.  Hence  the  warning — not  to  receive  it  in  vain, 
iv.  Therefore  delay  not. 

a.  The  present  is  all  we  can  call  our  own. 

b.  Death -bed  repentance  is  seldom  sincere. 

Lent  an  acceptable  time: 

i.  God,  however,  chooses  certain  times,  as  seasons  of 

special  grace. 

ii.  Lent  is  one  of  them,  in  which  conversion  is  easier : 
a.  In  the  springtime,  when  all  things  revive. 
A  time  for  fresh  beginnings  on  our  part. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  77 

b.  Special  graces  given  to  the  united  penance  and 

prayer  of  the  whole  Church. 

c.  Special   invitation   to   repentance,  through  the 

command  to  receive  the  Sacraments. 

d.  Often  special  services  and  instructions, 
iii.  A  time  for  penance  and  repentance. 

iv.  Christian  penance  means,  broadly,  repentance  for  sin. 

a.  Internal: 

i.  Detestation  of  sin  in  the  past. 
,  2.  Resolution  against  future  relapse. 

3.  Conversion  of  the  heart  to  God,  as  with 
the  Prodigal. 

b.  External  : 

1.  Watchings,  fastings,  daily  toil. 

2.  Sickness  and  suffering,  anxieties, 
v.  Penance  necessary  to  all :  Lke.  xiii.  3. 

a.  No  sinner  ever  entered  Heaven,  except  through 

penance. 

b.  The  lost  in  Hell  are  there  through  lack  of  it. 

c.  Thus  the  sinner  must  choose  between  repent- 

ance and  damnation. 

vi.  Because  of  its  special  helps,  Lent  truly  an  "  accept- 
able time." 

Lessons : 

i.  Resolve  to  utilize  this  holy  Season. 

a.  Practices  of  prayer,  fasting,  almsdeeds. 

b.  Attendance  at  services  and  instructions. 

c.  Worthy  reception  of  the  Sacraments. 

ii.  Do  not  risk  salvation,  through  delay  of  repentance. 
This  may  be  the  last  offer  of  divine  mercy ! 

*  A  priest,  visiting  one  day  the  wards  of  a  hospital,  came  across 
a  patient  for  the  first  time  who  was  evidently  seriously  ill ;  he 
admitted  having  neglected  all  religion  for  over  30  years,  yet 
persistently  refused  to  make  his  confession ;  after  repeated 
endeavours  to  this  end,  the  priest  at  last  had  to  leave  :  but  an  hour 
later,  that  man  was  dead,  and  had  answered  to  God  for  that 
neglected  grace ! 


78  SERMON   PLANS 


39.     SANCTIFICATION   OF  THE  SOUL. 

"  This  is  the  will  of  God — your  sanctification."     i  Thess.  iv.  3. 
i.  The  whole  duty  of  man  is  to  do  God's  will. 
ii.  God's  will  is  that  we  sanctify  and  save  our  souls, 
iii.  See  some  motives  and  means  of  doing  this. 

Motives  for  Sanctification: 

i.  The  fact  of  our  Creation  imposes  this  duty  on  us. 

a.  The  very  object  of  our  existence  is  that  we  may 

attain  to  God. 

b.  God,  as  our  Creator,  demands  sanctity  of  us  : 

"  Be  ye  holy,  because  I  ...  am  holy."     Lev.  xix.  2. 
ii.  Our  Redemption  requires  it. 

a.  Our  Lord  came  from  Heaven  to  secure  salvation. 

b.  He  -delivered  Himself  for  the  Church,  that  He 

might  sanctify  it :  Eph.  v.  26. 

c.  He  calls  us  to  perfection  : 

"Be   you  perfect  as   your  heavenly  Father  is  perfect." 
Mth.  v.  48. 

d.  To  aid  us  herein,  He  has  given  us 

1.  His  own  example  to  copy. 

2.  The  Sacraments,  as  channels  of  His  grace. 

Especially  those  of  Penance  and  Holy 
Eucharist. 

3.  The  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 

4.  His  Church,  with  all  its  varied  helps, 
iii.  Our  future  Glorification  presupposes  it : 

a.  The  promise  made  to  Abraham  holds  for  us. 

"Be  perfect  ...   I   am  thy   reward    exceeding   great." 
Gen.  xvii.  I  :  xv.  I. 

b.  The  greater  our  perfection  here,  the  greater  our 

glory  hereafter. 

c.  The  Saints  appreciated  this  truth :  hence  their 

strenuous  efforts  at  sanctifying  their  souls. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  79 

Means  to  Sanctification : 

i.  To  desire  it  ardently : 

a.  We  never  attain  to  a  thing,  unless  we  desire  it. 

b.  It  is  the  hungry  that  God  fills  with  good  things : 

Lke.  i.  53 :  Mth.  v.  6. 
ii.  To  seek  it  earnestly  : 

a.  Acting  like  the  man  finding  the  pearl :    Mth. 

xiii.  46. 

b.  Taking  practical  steps  about  it,  e.g. 

1.  Fervent  prayer :  Wisd.  vii.  7. 

2.  Spiritual  Reading : 

Conversion  of  S.  Ignatius :  Jly.  31. 
Conversion  of  S.  Augustine :  Aug.  28. 

3.  Study  the  example  of  the  Saints.* 

"What  these  have  done,  canst  thou  not  do,  my 
soul  ?  "     S.  Aug. 

iii.  To  persevere  in  pursuit  of  it : 

a.  When  a  man  has  found  a  mine,  he  does  not  then 

cease  to  labour. 

b.  S.  Paul  thought  not  of  the  past,  but  stretched 

forth  to  the  future:  Phil.  iii.  13. 

c.  Not  to  go  on  is  to  lose  ground. 

Like  the  boat  on  the  rapid  stream. 

Lessons : 

i.  Consider  well  the  absolute  necessity  of  salvation. 

ii.  Naught  else  avails  without  it :  Mth.  xvi.  26. 
iii.  To  secure  salvation  hereafter,  sanctification  is  neces- 
sary now. 
iv.  Practical  thoughts  on  this,  during  Lent. 


*  Noah,  on  the  testimony  of  the  Scripture  itself,  was  a  just  and 
perfect  man,  and  therefore  found  grace  before  the  Lord  :  Gen.  vi.  9 
— David  was  declared  to  be  a  man  according  to  God's  own  heart : 
Acts  xiii.  22 — So  great  was  the  veneration  of  S.  Francis  Xavier  for 
S.  Ignatius,  that  he  always  wrote  to  him  kneeling — S.  Francis 
himself  was  so  greatly  esteemed  for  his  sanctity  of  life,  that  imme- 
diately after  death  he  was  looked  upon  as  a  Saint,  by  Christians  and 
Pagans  alike. 


8o  SERMON  PLANS 


40.     IMPURITY. 

"  God  hath  not  called  us  unto  uncleanness,  but  unto  sanctification." 
i  Thess.  iv.  7. 

i.  Impurity  the  ruin  of  innumerable  souls, 
ii.  As  common  now  as  in  the  days  of  the  Apostle, 
iii.  Therefore,  like  him,  the  priest  too   must    raise   a 
warning  voice. 

Impurity : 

i.  Criminal  affection  for  the  pleasures  of  the  flesh. 

Whether  in  thought,  or  word,  or  deed, 
ii.  Directly  opposed  to  the  sanctity  of  God,  hence  so 

hateful  to  Him. 
The  Deluge :  Gen.  vii. 
Destruction  of  Sodom :  Gen.  xix. 
Death  of  Onan :  Gen.  xxxviii.  10. 
iii.  Opposed  to  holy  purity,  so  dear  to  Jesus,  who 

a.  Chose  a  Virgin  Mother :  Lke.  i.  27. 

b.  Loved  a  Virgin  disciple :  Jn.  xiii.  23. 

c.  Is  followed  by  Virgins  in  Heaven  :  Apoc.  xiv.  4. 
iv.  Always  a  mortal  sin,  when  consented  to. 

"They  who  do  such  things  shall  not  obtain  the  Kingdom 

of  God."     Gal.  v.  21. 
"Shall  have  their   portion  in  the  pool  burning  with    fire." 

Apoc.  xxi.  8. 

v.  Effects: 

a.  Blindness  in  the  Intellect  to  the  truths  of  God. 

b.  Hardness  of  Heart  against  grace. 

c.  Weakness  of  the  Will  in  temptation. 

d.  Sacrilegious  Confessions  and  Communions. 

e.  Ruin  of  bodily  health  and  strength. 

A  doctor's  opinion.* 
/.  Domestic  unhappiness. 


ON  THE   EPISTLES  81 

g.  Cause  of  other  sins :  e.g. 

Of  murder,  in  David :  2  Kgs.  ix.  15 — In  Herod : 

Mth.  xiv.  10. 

Of  Idolatry,  in  Solomon :  3  Kgs.  xi.  5. 
h.  Despair  and  final  impenitence, 
vi.  Remedies : 

a.  Flight  from  occasions  of  every  kind. 

"  In  this  warfare,  cowards  win  the  day."    S.  Philip. 

b.  Resist  with  vigour  the  first  attacks  of  tempta- 

tion.! 

c.  Prayer  and  frequentation  of  the  Sacraments. 

d.  Mortification  and  bodily  penance. 

e.  Occupation  of  mind  and  body. 

/.  Practice  of  the  presence  of  God. 

g.  Humility  and  self-distrust. 

h.  Great  devotion  to  Mary,  "  Queen  of  Virgins." 

Lessons : 

i.  Conceive  a  love  of  holy  purity. 

' '  O   how    beautiful    is   the   chaste  generation   with    glory. " 
Wisd.  iv.  i. 

ii.  Conceive  a  horror  of  the  opposite  vice, 
iii.  Avoid  the  causes  of  it :  e.g. 

a.  Idleness. 

b.  Excess  in  food  and  drink. 

c.  Bad  books  and  companions. 


*  A  medical  man  of  renown,  in  a  large  industrial  centre,  one 
day  maintained  that  one  of  the  most  destructive  battles  of 
Napoleon,  frequently  repeated  in  that  town,  would  not  destroy  as 
many  victims  as  did  debauchery  and  sin. — Franco. 

t  S.  Benedict  one  day  rolled  himself  among  briars  and  thorns, 
to  repel  and  overcome  an  impure  temptation — For  the  same 
purpose,  S.Bernard  plunged  into  a  pool  of  water,  in  the  depth  of 
winter — This  was  real  resistance  to  evil. 


SERMON  PLANS 


41.    COVETOUSNESS. 

1  No  covetous  person  hath  inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ." 
Eph.  v.  5. 

i.  S.  Paul  calls  avarice  a  serving  of  idols, 
ii.  Too  many  nowadays  make  this  their  God. 
iii.  Hence  the  importance  of  the  subject. 


Covetousness,  or  Avarice : 

i.  An  excessive  love  of  the  goods  we  possess  or  wish 

to  possess. 

ii.  Poor  as  well  as  rich  may  be  guilty  of  it. 
iii.  Increases,  the  more  it  is  gratified :  in  old  age  especially. 
Making   men   wretchedly   poor   in    the   midst   of 

plenty, 
iv.  Displays  itself  in 

a.  Hardness  of  heart  to  the  poor,  even  to  relations. 

b.  Niggardliness  to  one's  self. 

c.  Indifference  to  all  good  works. 

d.  Hoarding  up  money. 

e.  Paying  debts  begrudgingly. 

/.  Uneasiness  at  even  trifling  losses. 
v.  Of  its  nature  a  grievous  sin  ;  for, 

"No  covetous   person  hath   inheritance  in   the   kingdom  of 
God."     Eph.  v.  5. 

vi.     One  of  the  capital  sins,  and  cause  of 

a.  Fraud,  theft  and  injustice. 

b.  False  oaths. 

c.  Meanness  and  treachery. 

d.  Oppression  of  others  (e.g.  sweating). 

e.  Worry  and  anxiety. 
/.  Even  murder. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  83 


vii.  Examples : 

Achab,  coveting  Naboth's  vineyard :  3  Kgs.  xxi. 

Judas,  selling  our  Lord  :  Mth.  xxvi. 

Ananias  and  Saphira :  Acts  v. 

A  miser  buried  alive.* 
viii.  Remedies : 

a.  Liberality  to  the  Church  and  the  poor,  espe- 

cially in  Lent. 

b.  Consideration  of 

1.  The  vanity  of  things  that  pass. 

2.  The  shortness  of  life. 

3.  The  evils  of  covetousness. 

c.  Study  of  the  first  Beatitude : 

"  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit."     Mth.  v.  3. 

Lessons : 

i.  Think  over  these  points  and  guard  against  all  forms 
of  avarice. 

ii.  Confidence  in  God's  Providence,  along  with  reason- 
able care. 

iii.  Teach  children  generosity,  and  train  them 

a.  To  share  pleasures  with  companions,  and 

b.  Their  pence  with  the  poor, 
iv.  Lent  is  a  time  for  almsgiving. 

v.  Follow  the  advice  of  the  Gospel : 

"  Lay  up  to  yourselves  treasures  in  Heaven."     Mth.  vi.  20. 


*  It  is  related  that  a  miser  once  had  a  subterranean  cellar  made, 
with  an  iron  door  so  cleverly  concealed  that  no  one  could  notice  it. 
Thither  he  used  to  retire  to  contemplate  his  gold  and  silver,  of 
which  he  made  his  god.  One  day  he  forgot  to  take  his  key  with 
him,  and  as  the  door  did  not  open  from  within,  he  was  unable  to 
get  out,  unable  even  to  appeal  for  help.  The  missing  man  was  long 
looked  for,  when  a  locksmith  remembered  making  him  a  special 
safe,  and  made  the  case  known.  The  place  was  broken  into,  and 
there  lay  the  miser's  body,  all  putrified  and  eaten  with  worms. — 
Baudrand. 


SERMON   PLANS 


42.     DELUSIONS   ABOUT   REPENTANCE. 

"  Walk  as  children  of  the  light."     Eph.  v.  8. 

i.  Our  Lord  is  the  true  light  of  the  world :  Jn.  i.  9. 
ii.  Sinners  love  darkness  rather  than  the  light:  Jn.  iii.  19. 
iii.  See  some  of  the  delusions  which  mislead  them : 

First  Delusion  :  God  will  easily  forgive  me. 

i.  Truly,   God's    mercies  are  above  all   His   works: 
Ps.  cxliv.  9. 

a.  He  freely  pardons  the  repenting  sinner. 

b.  He  restores  him  His  grace  and  friendship. 

c.  He  continues  to  shower  down  many  blessings, 
ii.  But  He  does  not  promise  grace  to  those  who  abuse  it. 

"Then  shall  they  call  upon  Me  and  I  will  not  hear."  Prov.  i.  28. 
"The  hope  of  the  wicked  shall  perish."     Prov.  x.  28. 
"God  is  not  mocked."     Gal.  vi.  7. 

iii.  No    greater    folly   therefore   than   to    offend   God, 

because  He  is  merciful. 
a.  You  don't  throw  money  into  the  river,  because 

you  may  get  it  again. 
4.  Why  plunge  the  soul  into  sin,  hoping  for  an 

uncertain  repentance. 
iv.  Repentance  is  God's  gift,  which  may  be  refused. 

Second  Delusion  :  Repentance  will  be  easier  later  on. 

i.  A  fatal  error,  opposed  even  to  common  sense. 

a.  A  young  tree  is  easily  uprooted ;  not  so  an  old 

one. 

b.  So,   temptations   yielded   to   grow  stronger  as 

time  passes :  Jer.  xiii.  23. 
ii.  A  later  day  may  never  be  ours :    Prov.  xxvii.  i  : 

Mth.  xxv.  13. 
a.  Death  often  takes  men  suddenly  : 

1.  How  many  sudden  deaths  come  under  our 

own  notice  ? 

2.  Youth  and  health  are  no  proof  against  his 

calls. 


02V  THE  EPISTLES  85 


b.  Why  may  not  this  happen  any  day  to  ourselves  ? 

c.  How  criminal  to  risk  salvation  on  an  uncertain 

future ! 
iii.  God  forbids  such  delay. 

"  Defer  it  not  from  day  to  day."     Ecclus.  v.  8. 

"  Tarry  not  in  the  error  of  the  ungodly."     Ecclus.  xvii.  26. 

iv.  To  listen  to  such  delusion  has  been  fatal  to  many. 

Death  in  the  hospital.     (Ex.  p.  75). 
v.  On  the  contrary,  the  present  is  "  the  acceptable  time." 
2  Cor.  vi.  2. 

a.  God  is  willing  to  pardon  us  now,  if  we  repent: 

2  Par.  xxx.  9. 

b.  Grace  is  not  refused  to  those  who  ask  aright : 

Mth.  vii.  7. 

vi.  In  any  case,  death-bed  repentance  is  always  uncertain, 
often  insincere. 

Third  Delusion :  God  will  bear  with  me. 

i.  Thus  the  devil  lulls  the  conscience  of  the  sinner. 
But  the  Holy  Ghost  warns  us  against  such  pre- 
sumption :  Ecclus.  v. 

ii.  God  numbers  the  sins  He  will  pardon  to  each  one. 
As  He  numbers  the  flowers  and  insects  on  the 

earth, 
iii.  When  that  number  is  reached,  He  will  at  length 

chastise. 

The  longer  the  delay,  the  more  terrible  the  punish- 
ment. 

King  Antiochus :    2  Mach.  ix. 

iv.  One  more  sin  may  fill  up  the  cup  of  your  iniquity. 
"  Evil-doers  shall  be  cut  off."     Ps.  xxxvi.  9. 
"  I  will  repay  them  in  due  time."     Deut.  xxxii.  35. 

v.  How  terrible  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God  ! 
Heb.  x.  31. 

Lessons : 

i.  Ponder  well  such  important  truths,  this  holy  season. 

ii.  Resolve  to  renounce  sin  now,  the  time  of  mercy, 
iii.  Delay  in  repentance  may  bring  you  God's  vengeance ! 

Gen.  xix.  15. 
iv.  Fulfil,  therefore,  worthily  the  Easter  precept. 


86  SERMON   PLANS 


43.     THE   EPISTLE. 

i.  Though  not  so  from  the  beginning,  custom  permitted 
more  than  one  wife. 

a.  Partly,  the  patriarchs  were  not  content  with 

one  only. 

b.  Partly,  this  promoted  increase  in  Israel. 

ii.  Abraham  had  two  wives,  of  which  the  epistle  speaks, 
iii.  Study  this  difficult  passage,  which  is  allegorical. 

Abraham  had  two  sons: 

i.  Ismael,  by  a  bondwoman,  Agar : 

According   to   the   flesh,  in  the   ordinary   course 

of  nature, 
ii.  Isaac,  by  a  free  woman,  Sara. 

Through  the   promise  made  to  Abraham :   Gen. 
xvii.  19. 

These  (Agar  and  Sara)  are  the  two  testaments: 
i.  The   Old   Testament  of   Mt.  Sina,   represented   by 
Agar,  a  slave. 

a.  Sina,  a  barren,  rugged  mountain  of  Arabia. 

b.  Law  engendering  unto  bondage. 

Children  of  slaves  were  themselves  slaves. 

c.  Slaves  living  under  the  law  of  fear. 

Fear  of  temporal  evils  and  punishments. 

d.  Herefrom    a    numerous     people    sprang    up : 

Gen.  xvii.  20:  xxi.  13. 

ii.  The    New   Testament,   promulgated   in   Jerusalem, 
typified  by  Sara. 

a.  Sara,  aged  and  barren,  when  God  made   His 

promise. 

b.  The  New  Law  is  the  law  of  grace  and  love. 

c.  The   Church   teaches   the   highest   and    purest 

motives  of  action. 

d.  The  Church  has  flourished  and  spread.  Hence: 

"Rejoice,  thou  barren,  that  bearest  not."  Is.  liv.  i. 
i.  Words  prophetic  of  the  Church  in  the  New  Law. 
ii.  During  the  early  persecutions,  unable  to   increase 
and  multiply. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  87 

iii.  Yet  even  then  Christians  were  found  in  the  Imperial 

palace. 

IV.   "  The  blood  of  Martyrs  is  the  seed  of  Christians."    Tertullian. 
v.  Compared   with   the    Synagogue,   the   Church   has 

been  fruitful  indeed. 

We,  as  Isaac,  children  of  promise : 

i.  Isaac,  promised  to  Abraham  and  Sara  in  old  age: 
Gen.  xvii.  19. 

a.  Ismael,   the  elder    brother,   hated  and  perse- 

cuted him. 

b.  Though  probably  reconciled   on  the  death  of 

their  father :  Gen.  xxv.  9. 
ii.  We  also  are  the  children  of  promise. 

We    inherit   the   promises   and   graces  of  the 
New  Law. 

a.  Jews  and  others  have  ever  persecuted  the  Church. 

b.  Possibly  they  may  be  reconciled  at  the  end  of 

time:  Jer.  xxxi.  31 :  Dan.  xii.  i. 
One  of  the  signs  of  the  approach  of  the  last  day. 

What  saith  the  Scripture? 

i.  Ismael    and    Agar  cast   forth   from  the  house  of 
Abraham:  Gen.  xxi.  10. 

a.  The  Jews  and  their  Synagogue  rejected  in  the 

New  Law. 

ii.  Ismael  excluded  by  law  from  the  inheritance  which 
fell  to  Isaac. 

b.  The  Jews  deprived  of  the  inheritance  of  the 

Church, 
iii.  Isaac,  son  of  the  freewoman,  Sara. 

c.  We  are  children  of  the  freedom  acquired  by 

Christ, 
iv.  The  service  of  the  Old  Law 

1.  Forced  men  to  obey  through  fear,  and 

2.  Imposed   ceremonies  and   laws   in  them- 

selves useless  to  salvation. 

d.  The  liberty  of  the  New  Law 

1.  Leads  us  to  serve  God  in  spirit  and  truth 

and  love. 

2.  With  sacraments  and  ceremonies,  having 

power  to  help  us. 

Gratitude  to  God  for  such  favours ! 


88  SERMON  PLANS 


44.    FREEDOM  OF  THE  CHILDREN  OF  GOD. 
"The  freedom  wherewith  Christ  has  made  us  free."    Gal.  iv.  31. 

i.  On  Calvary,  Our  Lord  purchased  for  us  our  freedom. 

Man  became  once  more  truly  the  Child  of  God. 
ii.  Consider  the  meaning  of  this  freedom. 

I.  Freedom  from  sin  and  hell. 

"  He  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  His  own  Blood."     Apoc.  i.  5. 
i.  Adam's  sin  a  most  grievous  offence  against  God : 

a.  Sin  in  knowledge  and  light. 

b.  Sin  without  concupiscence  impelling. 

c.  Sin  of  deep  ingratitude. 

ii.  Adam's  sin  affected  all  mankind. 

"  All  men  sinned  in  Adam."     Rom.  v.  12. 

a.  All  men  are  born  in  sin,  slaves  of  the  devil. 

b.  Men  also  sin  of  their  own  free-will ;  and, 

c.  All  share  the  consequences  of  sin,  in  time  and 

eternity. 
iii.  Adam's  sin  involved  a  two-fold  punishment : 

a.  As  to  the  Soul  : 

1.  Loss  of  divine  grace. 

2.  Closing  of  Heaven's  gates. 

3.  Eternity  of  Hell. 

b.  As  to  the  Body  : 

1.  Sorrows  and  suffering:  Gen.  iii.  16. 

2.  Toil  and  labour :  Gen.  iii.  1 7. 

3.  Death :  Gen.  iii.  19. 

iv.  Our  Lord,  by  His  Passion  and  Death  on  the  Cross, 

a.  Has  atoned  for  all  sin. 

b.  Has  given  us 

1.  Baptism,  against  original  sin. 

2.  Penance,  against  personal  sin. 

3.  Other  Sacraments  for  other  wants. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  89 

c.  Has  softened  the  asperity  of  punishment. 

1.  Bearing  our  infirmities  in  Himself. 

2.  Submitting  even  to  death. 

d.  Has  reopened  the  gates  of  Heaven  for  us. 

Thus  redeeming  us  from  sin  and  hell. 

II.  Freedom  from  the  devil: 

' '  That  through  death,  He  might  destroy  the  devil. "    Heb.  ii.  14. 
i.  In  olden  times,  the  devil  often  possessed  even  the 

bodies  of  men. 

Sarah,  daughter  of  Raguel :  Tob.  xii.  14. 
The  woman  held  eighteen  years :  Lke.  xiii.  16. 
ii.  He  still  has  power  to  tempt  and  possess  souls. 

"As  a  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour."    i  Pet.  v.  8. 
iii.  Formerly  an  object  of   worship:    Deut.  xxxii.  17: 

i  Cor.  x.  20. 

Even  now  again,  in  Luciferianism.*     But, 
iv.  The  Incarnation  of  Christ 

a.  Has  greatly  curbed  the  devil's  power  over  soul 

and  body. 

b.  Has  merited  us  strength  to  resist  him. 

c.  Yet  for  our  good,  he  is  still  allowed  to  tempt  us. 

Lessons : 

i.  Thankfulness  that  we  are  members  of  God's  Church. 

Therein  we  share  in  this  freedom  of  Christ, 
ii.  Frequent  use  of  the  means  of  grace  thus  bestowed, 
iii.  Compassion  and  prayer  for  those  deprived  of  such 

blessing. 


*  Mgr.  de  Segur  states  that  in  1848  there  was  a  Masonic  Lodge 
in  Rome,  where  the  "  mass  of  the  devil "  was  celebrated  in  the 
presence  of  men  and  women ;  each  deposited  in  a  ciborium  a 
consecrated  host,  purchased  or  received  in  Church  :  the  sacred 
elements  were  stabbed  by  the  whole  assembly,  who  afterwards  gave 
themselves  up  to  orgies,  like  to  the  pagan  mysteries  of  old. — Waite. 


SERMON  PLANS 


45.     CHRIST,  OUR   HIGH    PRIEST. 

"A  high  priest  .  .  .  and  mediator  of  the  New  Testament." 
Heb.  ix.  ii,  15. 

i.  Explain  the  idea  of  Priest  and  Mediator, 
ii.  Christ  is  both,  according  to  the  Apostle. 

Priesthood  befitted  Our  Lord: 

i.  A  special  office  of  priesthood  is  to  be  mediator  between 
God  and  man. 

a.  A  priest  imparts  things  divine  to  men :   Mai. 

ii.  7. 

b.  A  priest  offers  the  people's  prayers  to  God  and 

atones  for  their  sins:  Heb.  v.  i. 

ii.  Thus   priesthood   was    most   becoming    Our   Lord, 
because 

a.  Through  Him,  divine  things  are  given  to  man : 

2  Pet.  i.  4. 

b.  Through  Him,  mankind  are  reconciled  to  God  : 

Col.  i.  20. 

Christ  both  Priest  and  Victim :  Eph.  v.  2. 

i.  Man  needs  sacrifice  for  three  ends : 

a.  For  remission  of  sin,  which  separates  from  God : 

Heb.  v.  i. 

b.  For  preservation  of  grace,  in  which  is  peace  and 

salvation. 

c.  For  perfect  union  of  the  soul  with  God  in  glory, 
ii.  These  three  things  are  ours,  through  Christ, 

a.  Who  was  delivered  up  for  sin  :  Rom.  iv.  25. 

b.  Who  became  the  cause  of  eternal  salvation : 

Heb.  v.  9. 

c.  Who    acquired   for   us    the   fulness   of    glory : 

Heb.  x.  19. 
iii.  Thus  Christ  is  both  Priest  and  Victim — 

Holocaust :  Sin-offering :  Peace-offering. 

a.  Freely  He  offered  Himself  to  the  Father :  Is. 

liii.  7 — Priest. 

b.  The  sacrifice  He  offered  was  His  own  body — 

Victim. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  91 

Christ's  sacrifice  expiates  sin :  Heb.  ix.  14. 

i.  For  remission  of  sin,  two  things  are  required  : 

a.  The  stain  to  be  blotted  out,  and  the  heart  turned 

to  God. 

b.  The  punishment  to  be  forgiven  by  satisfaction 

being  made, 
ii.  The  sacrifice  of  Christ  effects  both  these : 

a.  By  Him  justifying  grace  was  bestowed :  Rom. 

iii.  24. 

b.  He  fully  atoned  for  our  transgressions:  Is.  liii.  5. 
iii.  Christ  then  had  power  to  expiate  sin  : 

a.  He  was  priest,  not  as  God  but,  as  man. 

b.  But  the  Divinity  and  Humanity  are  united  in 

the  one  Christ. 

c.  Hence  His  sacrifice  is  of  the  highest  efficacy, 

being  of  infinite  value. 

iv.  The  sacrifice  of  the  altar  differs  from  that  of  Calvary 
only  in  form. 

The  Priesthood  of  Christ  is  eternal :  Ps.  cix.  4. 

i.  In  the  priestly  office,  two  things  may  be  considered : 

a.  The  offering  itself  of  the  sacrifice. 

b.  The  perfection  of  the  offering — gaining  the  object 

sought  for. 

ii.  The  object  of  Christ's  sacrifice  is,  not  temporal  but, 
eternal  good. 

a.  In   Heaven,   He  still  presents  the  Father  the 

satisfaction  made ; 

b.  And  is  ever  dispensing  the  graces  obtained  for 

men. 
iii.  His  priesthood  thus  lasts  for  time  and  eternity,  in  its 

character  and  effects, 
iv.  According  to  the  order  of  Melchisedeck :  Ps.  cix.  5. 

a.  The  name  Melchisedeck  signifies  King  of  Justice. 

Christ  the  Just  One:  Acts  iii.  14. 

b.  Melchisedeck  was  King  of  Salem,  i.e.  of  Peace. 

Christ  is  the  Prince  of  Peace,  Is.  ix.  6. 

c.  Melchisedeck  offered  bread  and  wine  in  sacrifice. 

Christ,  in  these,  offers  the  sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 
During  Passiontide,  meditate  on  the  Priesthood  and 
Sufferings  of  Christ. 


92  SERMON  PLANS 


46.     THE   NECESSITY  OF   SACRIFICE. 

i.  The  conclusion  of  the  Epistle  shows  the  need  of  an 

atoning  sacrifice, 
ii.  Suitable  occasion  for  speaking  on  the  sacrifice  of 

the  Cross  and  the  Mass. 
Definition  of  Sacrifice.* 

Necessity  of  an  atoning  sacrifice. 

i.  From  the  beginning,  man  was  bound  to  offer  sacrifice 

to  God,  for  Adoration  :  Thanksgiving  :  Petition, 
ii.  After  the  Fall,  a  further  obligation  arose,  viz. 

Satisfaction  for  sin. 

iii.  This   atonement  for  transgression    must  equal   the 
offence. 

a.  The  offence,  as  against  an  infinite  God,  infinitely 

great. 

b.  No  finite  being  can  make  atonement  of  infinite 

value. 

c.  Nothing  then  remained  for  man,  but  the  prospect 

of  eternal  ruin ;  for 

iv.  Adam  and  Eve,  though  repenting  of  their  sin,  were 
quite  unable  to  repair  its  effects. 

Sacrifice  of  the  Cross : 

i.  God,  in  compassion,  offered  to  man  the  means  of 

reconciliation  : 
His   own   divine   Son,   victim   of   infinite   merit : 

i  Jn.  iv.  10. 

ii.  This  Son  of  God  offered  Himself  a  willing  victim : 
Is.  liii.  7. 

a.  Dying,  not  through  weakness  of  nature,  etc. 

b.  But  through  violence  ab  extra. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  93 

iii.  It  was  expedient  that  Christ,  becoming  man,  should 
die :  Jn.  xi.  50. 

a.  To  satisfy  for  the  human  race  condemned  to 

death:  Gen.  ii.  17. 

b.  To  prove  the  reality  of  His  human  nature. 

c.  To  diminish  our  fear  of  death  :  Heb.  ii.  15. 

d.  To  induce  us  to  die  spiritually  to  sin :  Rom.  vi.  1 1 . 

e.  To  triumph  over  death  by  rising  again. 

/.  To  give  us  a  hope  of  a  similar  resurrection, 
iv.  All  this,  Christ  did  by  His  sacrifice  on  the  Cross. 

Atoning    for    sin,    and     purchasing    redemption 
for  man. 

Sacrifice  of  the  Mass : 

i.  This   general    redemption    requires    application   to 

individual  souls. 

ii.  The  great  means  for  this  is  the  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 
Continuation  of  that  of  the  Cross,  though  differing 

in  form, 
iii.  Through  this  most  holy  Sacrifice, 

a.  We  pay  to  God  due  homage,  as  His  creatures : 

Adoration :    Thanksgiving :    Petition  :    Satis- 
faction. 

b.  We    apply    to    ourselves    the    fruits    of     the 

Redemption. 

c.  We  obtain  contrition  and  forgiveness  of  sin. 

d.  We  gain  graces  for  the  Church  Militant. 

e.  We  bring  relief  to  the  Church  Suffering. 

f.  We  give  joy  to  the  Church  Triumphant. 

Lessons : 

i.  Gratitude  to  Our  Lord  for  the  Sacrifice  of  atonement, 
ii.  Show  this  gratitude  practically,  by 

a.  Appreciation  of  the  Holy  Sacrifice. 

b.  Sympathy  with  His  sufferings  this  Passiontide. 

c.  Sorrow  for  sin,  their  sole  cause. 

d.  Prayer  that  the  effects  of  this  Redemption  may 

extend. 

iii.  Realize  the  need  for  this  atoning  Victim,  and  the 
utter  helplessness  of  man  without  it. 

*  Sacrifice  is  an  offering  of  some  sensible  thing,  by  a  lawfully 
appointed  minister,  to  acknowledge,  by  its  destruction,  real  or 
equivalent,  the  majesty  and  sovereign  power  of  God,  and  to  proclaim 
His  absolute  dominion  over  every  created  thing. — Rock. 


94  SERMON  PLANS 


47.     THE   HUMILITY   OF   OUR   LORD. 

"  He  emptied  Himself."     Phil.  ii.  7. 
i.  Our   Lord    submitted   to   many    humiliations   from 

without. 

ii.  But   before   that,   in   becoming  man,  He  humbled 
Himself  in  three  ways :  viz. 

I.  He  emptied  Himself  of  Glory: 

i.  Christ  Our  Lord  was  God  from  all  eternity.     But 
He  was  in  time  made  in  the  likeness  of  men. 

ii.  He  was  the  King  of  Majesty  and  Glory  in  Heaven. 
"  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords  :  "  Apoc.  xix .  16.  But, 
He  took  the  form  of  a  servant  on  earth. 

iii.  He  did  not  thereby  lose  His  Glory. 

a.  This  was  impossible,  for  He  cannot  cease  to  be 

God.     But, 

b.  He  veiled  that  glory  under  the  form  of    His 

humanity. 

iv.  He  did  not  empty  Himself  through  external  compul- 
sion.    But, 

a.  Of  His  own  free-will  and  through  love  of  us. 

b.  To  teach  us  love  of  contempt  and  dishonour. 

II.  He  emptied  Himself  of  Power: 

i.  In  His  divine  nature,  He  was  the  God  of  all  power 

and  might :  Is.  ix.  6. 
In  His  human  nature,   He  became  helpless  and 

weak,  as  the  servant  of  God. 

ii.  He  was  the  Creator   of    all   things,  visible  and  in- 
visible; but, 

He  became  one  of  the  creatures  of  God. 
iii.  As  Creator,  His  name  is :  "  I  am  who  am."  Ex.  iii.  14. 
As  creature,  it  is :  "I  am  not." 
For    creatures    are,   and    have,    nothing    except 
from  God. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  95 

iv.  The    creature,   unless    sustained    by    the    Creator, 

would  return  to  nothingness. 
As  light  disappears,  when  the  sun  withdraws, 
v.  This  annihilation  consists : 

a.  In  receiving  all  and  everything  from  God. 

As  rays  of  light  receive  their  being  from  the 
sun. 

b.  (In  rational  beings,)  in  obedience  and  reverence 

to  their  Creator. 

c.  Both  these  may  be  predicated  of  Christ,  as  Man. 
vi.  Especially  in  His  Passion,  does  Our  Lord's  weakness 

appear : 

a.  Abandoned  by  His  Apostles. 

b.  Forsaken  even  by  the  Father :  Mth.  xxvii.  46. 

c.  Subject  to  the  insults  and  power  of  man. 
vii.  All,  to  instil  into  us  a  love  of  abjection. 

III.  He  emptied  Himself  of  Riches : 

i.  In  Heaven,  Our  Lord  possessed  all  treasures  and 

riches.     But, 
ii.  On  becoming  man, 

a.  He  was  born  in  poverty  and  want. 

b.  He   was   exposed  to  the    inclemencies  of    the 

weather. 

c.  He  lived  in  hardship  and  toil  at  Nazareth. 

d.  He  was  often  without  a  place  of  rest.  Mth.  viii.  20. 

e.  On  the  Cross,  He  died  in  nakedness  and  priva- 

tion, 
iii.  He  taught  poverty,  as  a  virtue  most  dear  to  Him : 

Mth.  v.  3. 
iv.  Who  was  ever  born,  or  lived,  or  died  as  poor  as  He  ? 

To  teach  us  to  despise  riches. 
Lessons : 
i.  Our  Lord  emptied  Himself 

a.  Of  Glory :  Who  then  shall  be  proud  ? 

b.  Of  Power :  Who  then  shall  be  harsh  or  domi- 

neering ? 

c.  Of  Riches :  Who  then  shall  despise  poverty  ? 

ii.  In  imitation  of  Our  Lord,  practise  the  virtues  He 
practised.* 

*  "All  human  glory,  indeed  all  temporal  honour,  all  worldly 
grandeur,  compared  with  Thy  eternal  glory,  is  vanity  and  foolish- 
ness, O  my  God." — Imit.  iii.  xl. 


SERMON  PLANS 


48.     THE    HUMILIATIONS    OF    OUR    LORD. 

"  He  humbled  Himself."    Phil.  ii.  8. 
i.  Humility,  the  beloved  virtue  of  Our  Lord, 
ii.  He  gives  us  examples  of  it  in  His  life-long  humilia- 
tions. 

iii.  Consider  some  now,  especially  in  the  history  of  the 
"  Great  Week." 

Humility  of  Our  Lord : 

i.  In  His  Incarnation :  Lke.  i.  38. 

a.  Uniting  Himself  to  nothingness,  misery  and  sin. 

b.  Retaining  the  marks  thereof  through  all  eternity, 

in  His  humanity, 
ii.  In  His  Birth :  Lke.  ii.  7. 

a.  From  a  human  being. 

b.  In  poverty  and  want,  though  God  of  all  things. 

c.  In  a  home  for  animals,  and  that  not  His  own. 
iii.  At  Nazareth:  Lke.  ii.  51. 

a.  His  foster-father  was  a  poor  artisan. 

b.  His  mother  ignored  and  unknown,  though  of 

the  royal  race. 

c.  His  life  hidden  and  toilsome, 
iv.  In  His  Ministry  : 

a.  He  was  baptized,  as  though  a  sinner. 

b.  Twelve  poor  fishermen  were  His  friends: 

1.  Their  waywardness  and  contentions:  Lke. 

xxii.  24. 

2.  His  patience  with  them  all. 

3.  His  washing  their  feet :  Jn.  xiii.  5. 

c.  Insults  and  opposition  from  the  Scribes,  etc. 
v.  In  His  Passion  and  Death  : 

a.  The  betrayal  by  Judas:  Mth.  xxvi.  49. 

1.  The  pain  of  such  treachery. 

2.  Humiliation  of  being  sold  for  money. 

3.  By  a  friend  too,  and  to  His  enemies. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  97 

b.  Jesus  receives  a  blow :  Lke.  xvii.  64. 

1.  Indignity  of  this  public  insult,  so  unjust 

and  cruel. 

2.  Yet  He  receives  it  without  anger  or  resent- 

ment. 

c.  His  condemnation  :  Lke.  xxiii.  24. 

1.  Bound  as  a  malefactor. 

2.  Unjustly  accused  of  crime. 

3.  Bearing  all,  in  patience  and  silence. 

d.  The  Scourging,  and  the  Crowning  with  thorns : 

Mth.  xxvii.  26,  29. 

1 .  Apart  the  pain,  see  the  ignominy  and  shame. 

Disgraceful  character  of  both  insults. 

2.  Derision  and  mockery  of  the  crowd. 

e.  The  Crucifixion  :  Mth.  xxvii.  35. 

1.  Form  of  death  reserved  only  to  slaves. 

2.  Jesus  put  on  a  level  with  thieves:    Mth. 

xxvii.  38. 

3.  Further  blasphemies  and  insults  from  His 

enemies. 

4.  Instead  of  striking  them  dead,  He  prays : 

Lke.  xxiii.  34. 

Lessons : 

i.  Such  thoughts  suitable  to  Holy  Week. 

a.  Jesus  had  always  taught  humility  in  word. 

b.  This  week  especially,  He  gives  examples  of  it. 

ii.  Humility,  the  virtue  He  tells  us  to  learn  of  Him  : 

Mth.  xi.  29. 
iii.  Consider  Our  Lord's  sufferings  and  humiliations, 

a.  As  an  encouragement  in  the  midst  of  your  own. 

b.  As  a  help  towards  overcoming  pride. 

c.  As  a  proof  of  the  greatness  of  His  love, 
iv.  Meditate  on  the  Passion  during  these  few  days. 


SERMON  PLANS 


49.     SORROWFUL  MYSTERIES  OF  THE 

ROSARY. 

i.  To-day  the  day  of  suffering  for  Our  Lord, 
ii.  Fix  then  your  minds  awhile  on  His  chief  sufferings : 

They  constitute  the  five  sorrowful  mysteries. 
iii.  Such  meditation  a  remedy  for  our  repugnance  to 
suffer. 

I.  The  Agony  in  the  Garden:  Mth.  xxvi.  39. 
i.  In  Gethsemani,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Olivet. 

Adam  sinned  in  a  garden :  Christ  repairs  the  evil 

in  a  garden. 

ii,  He  kneels  and  becomes  sorrowful  unto  death,  because 
of 

a.  The  countless  sins  of  men. 

b.  His  love  for  man  and  His  Father. 

c.  His  approaching  sufferings  and  death. 

iii.  A  mysterious  sweat  of  blood  bathes  His  whole  body, 
iv.  Hence  His  repeated  prayer : 
"  Let  this  Chalice  pass  from  Me." 

Human  will,  shrinking  from  suffering. 
"  Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou  Wilt." 

Human  will,  ever  subject  to  the  divine, 
v.  Lesson  :  the  spirit  of  Prayer. 

a.  None  can  overcome  great  temptation  without 

grace. 

b.  Grace  is  usually  given  only  in  answer  to  prayer. 

c.  Pray  then  in  every  form  of  trial. 

II.  The  Scourging  at  a  pillar:  Mth.  xxvii.  26. 

i.  Punishment  reserved  only  for  the  worst  of  criminals. 
So  ignominious  that  no  Roman  might  submit  to  it. 
ii.  Violence  of  the  soldiers,  bribed  for  the  work. 

a.  Revelations  say  Our  Lord  received  5,000  stripes; 

though, 

b.  The  Jewish  Law  allowed  only  39. 

iii.  Borne  by  Our  Lord  to  expiate  our  sins  of  the  flesh. 


ON    THE   EPISTLES  99 

iv.  Became  the  origin  of  taking  the  discipline. 
v.  Lesson  :  the  spirit  of  Mortification. 

a.  As  a  means  of  reparation  for  the  past. 

b.  As  a  help  to  perseverance  in  the  future. 

III.  The  Crowning  with  thorns;  Mth.  xxvii.  29. 
i.  By  the  soldiers,  but  on  their  own  authority  only. 

ii.  To  expiate  our  sins  of  thought  of  many  kinds. 
Hi.  Conceive  the  intensity  of  pain  it  must  have  caused, 
iv.  Lesson  :  the  spirit  of  Fortitude, 

To  bear  the  crosses  and  thorns  in  our  path  through 
life. 

IV.  The  Carrying  of  the  Cross:  Jn.  xix.  17. 

i.  Type:  Isaac,  bearing  the  wood  for  the  sacrifice:  Gen. 

xxii.  6. 

ii.  In  the  form  of  a  Latin  cross,  of  heavy,  rough  oak. 
iii.  Journey  of  about  a  mile. 

Its  various  incidents  constitute  the  "  Way  of  the 

Cross." 
iv.  Lesson  :  the  spirit  of  Patience  in  crosses  and  trials. 

The   path   of   suffering  is  the   only  safe  way  to 
Heaven. 

V.  The  Crucifixion  :  Mth.  xxvii.  38. 

i.  Type :  the  Brazen  Serpent :  Numb.  xxi.  9. 
ii.  Cruelty  and  roughness  of  the  executioners, 
iii.  The  agonizing  pain  of  the  Five  Wounds, 
iv.  The  ignominy  of  such  a  death,  between  two  thieves, 
v.  The   death   of   Christ   completed   the  work  of   our 

Redemption. 

Many  wonders  in  the  natural  order  accompanied  it. 
vi.  Meditation  on  the  Crucifixion  a  great  help  to  con- 
trition, 
vii.  Lesson :  the  spirit  of  Self -sacrifice  for 

God  :  our  neighbour :  our  own  soul. 
Let   the  thought   of  your  Saviour's  sufferings  fill  your 
minds    this    day :    it    will    prepare  you    for  a    fuller 
share  in  the  joys  of  the  Resurrection. 


ioo  SERMON  PLANS 


50.     THE    LAST    WORDS    ON    THE    CROSS. 

i.  Our  Lord  spoke  seven  Words,  as  He  hung  on  the 

Cross  in  death, 
ii.  Consider  some  of  them,  as  suitable  to  the  anniversary 

of  that  death, 
iii.  Listen    with    reverence,    and    learn    some    lessons 

therefrom. 

"  Father,  forgive  them."    Lke.  xxiii.  34. 

i.  Exceeding  love  of  Our  Lord  shown  herein  ;  for, 

a.  In  the  very  midst  of  His  sufferings,  He  prays 

for  His  executioners ;  and, 

b.  In  them,  for  us  and  for  all  sinners. 

ii.  God    punished    the    Angels'   sin    immediately   and 

eternally;  while, 

a.  For  us  intercession  is  made ;  but, 
I.  Revenge  may  be  taken,  if  we  abuse  grace  to 

sin  the  more. 

iii.  While  admitting  its  necessity,  do  we  practise  forgive- 
ness of  others  ? 

a.  This  is  not  a  counsel,  but  a  command. 

b.  If   we  forgive   not,  we   pass  sentence  against 

ourselves. 

"  Forgive  us,  as  we  forgive."     Mth.  vi.  12. 
iv.  What  an   encouragement  given   here  to   fulfil   the 

precept ! 
S.John  Gualbert:  July  12. 

"Behold    thy    son   ...    Behold    thy    Mother." 
Jn.  xix.  26,  27. 

i.  Our  Lord's  sufferings  increased  by  the  presence  of 

Mary  and  John ! 
Their  tears  as  bitter  to  Him  as  the  loss  of  His 

own  Blood. 

ii.  He    here    commends    His    virgin    Mother    to    the 
virgin  Disciple. 

a.  Showing  His  preference  for  the  state  of  virginity. 

b.  Yet,   all   states   are   good   and    may   approach 

the  Cross.     Thus, 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  101 

iii.  Three  women  were  near  Jesus,  as  He  died  : 

a.  Mary  Magdalen,  type  of  beginners. 

b.  Mary  of  Cleophas,  of  proficients. 

c.  Mary,  Mother  of  Jesus,  of  the  perfect. 
iv.  Mary  stood  by :  Stabat  Mater 

a.  In  grief :  as  a  mother  near  her  suffering  child. 

b.  In    constancy :    as    Mother    of    God,   and    full 

of  grace. 

c.  Thus  pictures  wrongly  present  her  as  falling,  etc. 
v.  The  happiness  and  honour  of  S.  John  thus  given  to 

Mary's  care ! 

We,  as  represented  by  him,  are  also  her  children, 
vi.  Show  then  devotion  to  her  thus  given  to  us  by  our 
dying  Jesus. 

a.  Imitating  her  virtues,  in  our  various  stations 

in  life. 

b.  Devotion  to  Mary,  a  pledge  of  salvation. 

"  I  thirst."    Jn.  xix.  28. 

i.  Literally:  through 

a.  Want  of  food,  tasting  nothing  since  the  last 

supper. 

b.  Exhaustion,  and  loss  of  blood, 
ii.  Figuratively: 

a.  Longing  to  complete  the  work  of  Redemption. 

b.  Desiring  more  suffering  and  even  death, 
iii.  Pain,  borne  to  expiate  our  sins  of  the  palate, 
iv.  Desires  are  well-named  thirsts  :  if  for 

a.  Heavenly   things,   the    source    of    purest    joys 

even  here. 

b.  Earthly  things,  such  thirst  is  truly  a  torment. 

v.  Stand  amazed  at  Christ's  thirst  for  your  salvation, 

while  you  are  perhaps  so  indifferent  to  it ! 
vi.  Where  your  treasure  is,  there  also  your  thirst  will  be. 

"Into  Thy  hands  I  commend  My  spirit."    Lke. 

xxiii.  46. 

i.  Returning  His  soul  to  the  hands  of  its  Creator, 
ii.  As  we  also  should  do,  in  the  hour  of  death, 
iii.  A  good  practice  to  do  it  every  night  before  sleep;  for, 
There  are  dangers  for  both  body  and  soul,  even 
at  night. 


102  SERMON  PLANS 


51.     THE   RESURRECTION   A   PLEDGE  OF 
TRIUMPH. 

"  Christ,  our  pasch,  is  sacrificed."     i  Cor.  v.  7. 

i.  Christ  had  been  sacrificed,  but  He  is  risen, 
ii.  On  Friday  the  Church  wept  over  her  Saviour  on  the 

Cross, 
iii.  To-day    she    sings    "Alleluias"   of    joy   over    His 

Resurrection, 
iv.  Celebrate  this,  the  greatest  Christian  mystery,  as  a 

pledge  of 

I.  Triumph  for  the  Church :  for 

i.  It  proves  Christ  to  be  God,  and  His  teaching  divine. 

a.  He  wrought  many  miracles  during  life :  e.g.  .  .  . 

b.  But  He  ever  appealed  to  this  one,  as  proof  of 

His  divinity. 

ii.  On  this   mystery  is  the  Church's  teaching  based : 
hence  truly, 

"If  Christ  be  not  risen  again,  then  is  our  preaching  vain." 
i  Cor.  xv.  14. 

iii.  In  the  miracle  of  to-day,  recognize  the  power  of  the 
Omnipotent. 

a.  The  power  of  man  may  be  great  in  the  arts  and 

sciences :  e.g.  .  .  . 

b.  But  he  cannot   restore  life :    God    alone  can 

do  this. 

c.  Thus  the  Resurrection  puts  the  seal  of  authority 

on  Our  Lord's  message, 
iv.  The  Apostles  go  forth  to  announce  it  to  the  world : 

a.  Preaching  a  Saviour  crucified,  but  risen  again. 

b.  God's  power  accompanies  them,  supplying  their 

deficiencies. 

c.  Great  therefore  is  their  influence  over  men. 

v.  Yet  their  work  was  not  in  peace :  Our  Lord's  word 
is  verified  :  Jn.  xvi.  20. 

o.  Their  progress  was  through  conflict  and  perse- 
cution. 

b.  The  Church  has  ever  had  foes,  but  has 
triumphed  over  all. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  103 

vi.  Our  risen  Jesus  has  triumphed  for  1,900  years ! 

a.  Go    to   His   tomb,   where   His   power   seemed 

buried. 

b.  He  is  risen,  and  has  gone  forth  in  triumph :  and, 

c.  Millions    to-day    celebrate    the    glory   of    His 

Resurrection. 


II.  Triumph  for  the  Christian  soul :  for, 

i.  Jesus  died  to  save  us :  and  He  rose  that  we  might 
share  His  glory. 

a.  As  cause  of  our  resurrection,  through  the  same 

power  of  God. 

b.  As  model,  if  we  comply  with  His  conditions, 
ii.  Most  consoling  thought  for  all : 

a.  Poverty,  sorrows  and  hardships  pass  away ;  and, 

b.  If  we  die  in  grace,  we  shall  rise  in  glory, 
iii.  To  do  this,  two  things  are  needed :  viz. : 

a.  To  rise  from  sin  by  repentance :  for, 

1.  As  in  time  of  grief,  rejoicing  is  unbearable, 

2.  So,  if  any  be  now  in  the  sorrow  of  sin,  not 

theirs  the  joy  of  to-day. 
a.  They  are  daily  nearing  death  and  hell. 
ft,  Despite   success   and   wealth,   honours 

and  friends, 
y.  What  are  these,  if  sin  be  in  the  heart  ? 

3.  Be  wise  in  time  and  reflect : 

Rise  from  sin,  then  can  you  rejoice  in 
the  Resurrection. 

b.  To  persevere  in  grace : 

1.  Only   to   perseverance    has   reward    been 

promised  :  Apoc.  ii.  10. 
Many  in   hell  once  repented,  but  per- 
severed not. 

2.  What  avails  a  long  fight,  if  it  end  in  defeat  ? 

3.  In  the  world,  defeat  does  not  always  imply 

disgrace.     But, 

4.  In  the  fight  for  Heaven,    failure    means 

eternal  misery. 

iv.  Thus  is  Easter  day  a  pledge  of  triumph  for  each 
of  us. 


164  SERMON  PLANS 


52.     NEWNESS  OF   LIFE. 

"  Feast  with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth." 
i  Cor.  v.  8. 

i.  To    understand    the    force    of    this   short    Epistle, 
remember : 

a.  The  Jews  annually  observed  the  feast  of  the 

Pasch:  Ex.  xii.  14,  25. 
In  memory  of  their  deliverance  from  Egypt. 

b.  The  festival  lasted  seven  days:  Ex.  xii.  15,  and, 

c.  No  leaven  was  allowed  in  the  house  during  that 

time. 

d.  Children  were  instructed,  as  to  the  origin  and 

purpose  of  all  this :  Ex.  xii.  27. 

ii.  These  things  were  figures  of  the  New  Law :   i  Cor. 
x.  ii.     Thus, 

a.  The  Paschal   Lamb   was   a   figure   of    Christ, 

immolated  for  us. 
Thereby  redeeming  us  from  sin. 

b.  The  spiritual  "seven  days"  imply  the  whole  time 

of  life. 

c.  During  this  time,  no  leaven  of  sin  must  be  found 

in  us. 
iii.  We  also  require  instruction  on  these  points.    Hence : 

I.  Unleavened  bread  of  "Sincerity": 

i.  Unleavened  bread  means:  life  without  admixture  of  sin. 
ii.  "  Sincerity  "  here 

a.  Opposed  to  "  malice,"  i.e.  sin  in  general ;  and, 

b.  Means  sanctity  and  goodness  of  life.     For, 

iii.  Christ,  our  Pasch,  has  been  sacrificed  for  this  end ; 
and, 

a.  In  His  Blood,  we  are  cleansed  and  saved  : 

As  the  Jews  were  spared,  through  the  blood 
of  the  lamb. 

b.  In  this  Blood,  we  are  delivered  from  the  devil 

and  sin. 
As  the  Jews  were,  from  the  destroying  angel. 

c.  In   this,   we  are    strengthened   against    future 

assaults. 

d.  This  Blood   given    to  our   souls   especially   in 

Holy  Eucharist. 


OAT  THE  EPISTLES  105 

iv.  This  "  bread  of  sincerity  "  implies 

a.  Sorrow  for  "  malice  "  in  the  past. 

Without  which  there  can  be  no  real  sincerity. 

b.  Resolution  against  sin  and  its  occasions. 

Nothing  more  suitable  to  this  Festival, 
v.  In  Lent,  we  prayed  and  did  penance  for  our  sins. 

a.  We  must  not  therefore  return  to  them  now : 

1.  Otherwise  we  can  have  no  true  resurrection  ; 

and, 

2.  God's  vengeance  may  overtake  us :    i   Cor. 

xi.  30. 

b.  "  Sincerity "  will  give  us  the  joy  befitting  this 

day. 
"  Let  us  be  glad  to  rejoice  therein."     Ps.  cxvii.  24. 

II.  Unleavened  bread  of  "Truth": 

i.  Unleavened  bread  means  again,  life  without  sin. 
ii.  "  Truth,"  here, 

a.  Opposed  to  "wickedness,"   sins  of   fraud  and 

deceit. 

b.  Means  Christian  honesty,  in  its  widest  sense, 
iii.  How  common  are  sins  of  injustice  in  the  world:  e.g. 

a.  Thefts,  bribes  and  extortion. 

b.  Frauds  in  buying  and  selling. 

c.  Waste  of  time,  or  goods,  or  money. 

d.  Calumny  and  other  sins  of  the  tongue. 

e.  Cheating,  gambling. 
/.  Unprincipled  strikes. 

iv.  Possibly,  we  have  been  guilty  of  such  in  the  past. 
If  so, 

a.  Sincere  repentance  now,  on  beginning  a  new  life. 

b.  Restitution  and  reparation,  to  the  best  of  our 

power, 
v.  Feast  now  in  the  unleavened  bread  of  "  Truth  "  : 

Ever  showing  scrupulous  honesty,  in  word  and  act. 

Lessons : 

i.  Fresh  courage  from  the  beauty  and  joy  of  the  Feast, 
ii.  Resolution  to  remain,  by  God's  grace,  "  a  new  paste." 
Holy  and  pure,  free  from  all  leaven  of  sin. 


106  SERMON  PLANS 


53.     SUBDUING   THE   PASSIONS. 
"  Whatever  is  born  of  God  overcometh  the  world."     i  Jn.  v.  4 
i.  We  are   born   of   God    by   Faith   and    Charity   in 

Baptism, 
ii.  If   we   would   show   this,  we    must   overcome   our 

passions, 
iii.  Consider  three  means  to  this  end :  viz. 

I.  The  armour  to  put  on: 
i.  Confidence  in  God  : 

a.  David  rejected  Saul's  armour,  trusting  in  God  : 

i   Kgs.  xvii.  39,  45. 

b.  In    the    spiritual    combat,  imitate    David,  not 

trusting  to  self, 
ii.  Confidence  grounded  on 

a.  The  divine  Goodness  and  Power. 

b.  The  promises  of  God  : 

"God  is  not  as  a  man  that   He  should  lie."     Numb. 

xxiii.  19. 
"  My  words  shall  not  pass."     Mth.  xxiv.  35. 

iii.  This  full  confidence  we  must  have,  in  order 

a.  To  fight  with  success. 

b.  To  protect  ourselves,  as  with  a  shield. 

c.  To  make  us  irresistible. 

"If  God  be  for  us,  who  is  against  us?"     Rom.  viii.  31. 

II.  The  Weapons  to  use: 

i.  With    his    confidence    in    God,    David    also    took 

necessary  arms :  i  Kgs.  xvii.  40. 

ii.  We  too  need  arms,  viz. :    the  faithful  discharge  of 
religious  duties : 

a.  Meditations,  or  instruction. 

b.  Daily  prayers,  for  strength. 

c.  Mass  on  Sunday ;  and  oftener. 

d.  Frequentation  of  the  Sacraments. 

e.  Spirit  of  restraint  and  self-denial. 


OiV  THE  EPISTLES  107 

iii.  These  may  seem  commonplace :  yet  they  are  essential. 
None  can  succeed  without  them. 

III.  The  plan  of  warfare: 
i.  Attack  the  predominant  passion :  i.e.  the  King  of  the 

passions, 
ii.  This   being  overcome,  the  others   are   more  easily 

subdued. 
Their  chief  being  slain,  the  Philistines  fled :   i  Kgs. 

xvii.  51. 
When  Achab,  the  king,  was  killed,  the  fight  ended  : 

2  Par.  xviii.  34. 
iii.  The  predominant  passion  is  that 

a.  Which  exercises  the  strongest  influence  over 

our  inclinations. 

b.  Whose  temptations  are  most  frequent. 

c.  Which,  though  light  in  itself,  is  strong  for  us. 

d.  Which  the  Devil,  therefore,  uses  most  to  our 

disadvantage. 

e.  Which  most  holds  us  back  in  spiritual  progress. 

The  Remora.* 
iv.  The  predominant  passion  varies  with  each  one. 

To  be  discovered  by  self-examination,  and  con- 
fessor's advice, 
v.  We  must  ever  struggle  against  this,  on  our  way  to 

Heaven. 
Like  Israelites  fighting  their  way  to  Cana :  Deut.  vii. 

Conclusion : 

i.  By  this  three- fold  method,  victory  will  be  ours, 
ii.  The  present,  an  appropriate  time  for  beginning  again, 
iii.  Courage  in  the  battle,  God  Himself  fighting  for  us. 
Jos.  xxiii.  10. 

*  The  Remora  is  a  small  fish  which,  by  means  of  a  sucker-disc 
is  able  to  attach  itself  to  smooth  surfaces.  The  ancients  imagined 
that  it  could  thus  arrest  the  course  of  a  ship  in  full  sail.  Such 
fable  is  at  any  rate  an  image  of  the  ruling  passion,  which  can  most 
certainly  hold  us  back  in  the  pursuit  of  virtue. 


io8  SERMON  PLANS 


54.     THE  THREE   WITNESSES. 
"Three  give  testimony  in  Heaven  ...  on  Earth."     i  Jn.  v.  7,  8. 
i.  The  Apostle  gives  evidence  that  "  Jesus  is  the  Son 

of  God." 
ii.  His  witnesses  in  Heaven  and  Earth  agree  as  to  Our 

Lord's  nature. 

iii.  These    witnesses    above    exception,    and    therefore 
worthy  of  credence :  viz. : 

Three  in  Heaven : 

i.  The  Father  : 

a.  At  Our  Lord's  Baptism:  Mth.  iii.  17. 

b.  At  the  Transfiguration  :  Mth.  xvii.  5. 

c.  At  Our  Lord's  prayer :  Jn.  xii.  28. 
ii.  The  Word:  by 

a.  His  teaching : 

"  I  and  the  Father  are  one."     Jn.  x.  30. 

"  He  that  secth  Me  seeth  the  Father  also."    Jn.  xiv.  9. 

b.  His  miracles:  e.g. 

Change  of  water  into  wine:  Jn.  ii.  9. 
Feeding  the  multitudes:  Mth.xv.  37:  Jn.vi.  ii. 
Raising  the  dead  to  life:  Lke.  vii.  15  :  Jn.xi.44. 
His  own  Resurrection  :  Mth.  xxviii. 

c.  His  prophecies :  e.g. 

The  betrayal  of  Judas:  Mrk.  xiv.  18. 
The  denial  of  Peter:  Mth.  xxvi.  34. 
The  destruction  of  the  Temple  :  Mth.  xxiv.  2. 
iii.  The  Holy  Ghost  : 

a.  At  Our  Lord's  Baptism:  Mth.  iii.  16. 

b.  At  Pentecost,  according  to  Our  Lord's  promise  : 

Jn.  xvi.  7:  Acts  ii.  3. 
iv.  These  three  are  one : 

a.  In  their  divine  nature  and  essence — God. 

Though  distinct  in  the  Trinity  of  Persons. 

b.  In  the  effect  of  their  testimony :  the  Divinity 

of  Christ. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  log 

Three  on  earth: 

i.  The  Spirit  : 

a.  The  soul,  which  Our  Lord  commended  to  the 

Father :  Lke.  xxiii.  46. 
Real  human  intellect,  memory  and  will. 

b.  The  Holy  Ghost,  sent  on  earth  at  Pentecost : 

Acts  ii.  3. 
Working  through  the  Sacraments — a  divine 

work, 
ii.  The  Water: 

a.  Which   issued    from  Our  Lord's  side  on   the 

Cross :  Jn.  xix.  34. 

b.  Typifying  the  washing  of  the  soul  in  Baptism 

— a  divine  work, 
iii.  The  Blood : 

a.  Shed  throughout  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord. 

b.  Issuing  from  His  side  in  death :  Jn.  xix.  34. 

c.  Its  merits  applied  therein  to  souls. 

d.  The    Holy    Eucharist   especially — a    work    of 

divine  love  and  power, 
iv.  These  three  are  one : 

a.  Earthly  and  created  witnesses. 

b.  Alike  in  their  testimony  to  Christ  being  Mediator 

and  Redeemer. 

c.  Showing  also  the  sanctification  of  our  souls. 

d.  Water    and    Blood    testify    to    the    Humanity 

animated  by  the  Spirit. 

Conclusion ; 

i.  Christ  the  Messiah  is  truly  God  and  Man : 

a.  As  Man,  He  suffered  and  died. 

b.  As  God,  His  sufferings  had  infinite  merit. 

ii.  He  is  our  Redeemer  promised  from  the  beginning, 
iii.  Worthy  of  our  adoration,  our  gratitude  and  love. 


i io  SERMON  PLANS 


55.     CHRIST'S   PRINCIPAL  VIRTUES. 

"Leaving  you  an  example   that   you  should  follow  His  steps." 
I  Pet.  it.  21. 

i.  Christ  came  on  earth  for  three  objects:  viz. 

a.  To  redeem  us  by  His  death. 

b.  To  teach  us  His  doctrine. 

c.  To  give  us  the  example  of  virtue. 

ii.  Consider  three  of  Our  Lord's  chief  virtues :  viz. 

I.  Meekness : 

i.  Virtue  preventing  or  moderating  the  impulses  of 

anger, 
ii.  Founded  on  Humility,  which 

a.  Reminds  us  of  our  own  defects,  and 

b.  Makes  us  allow  for  those  of  others, 
iii.  Practised  by  Our  Lord,  in 

a.  His  dealings  with  little  children:  Mth.  xix.  13. 

b.  His  bearing  with  the  roughness  of  the  Apostles, 
f.  The    sufferings   and    insults    of    the    Passion. 

Is.  liii.  7. 
iv.  Recommended  in  Holy  Writ :  e.g. 

Ecclus.  iii.  19:  Mth.  v.  4:  xi.  29:  Jas.  i.  21. 
v.  Effects: 

a.  Peace  of  mind  amid  trial. 

b.  Influence  and  power  with  others. 

c.  Foundation  of  Patience. 

vi.  Shows  itself  in  gentleness  of  temper  and   patient 
forbearance. 

II.  Humility: 

i.  Virtue  teaching  us  to  refer  all  good  to  God. 
ii.  Founded  on 

a.  Knowledge  of  our  own  nothingness  and  sin- 

fulness. 

b.  True  appreciation  of  all  things. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  in 

iii.  Practised  by  Our  Lord : 

a.  In  the  Incarnation. 

b.  In     His    obedience    to     His    own    creatures : 

Lke.  ii.  51. 

c.  During  the  humiliations  of  the  Passion, 
iv.  Recommended  in  the  Word  of  God  :  e.g. 

Ecclus.  xiii.  9 :  Mth.  xi.  29:  Lke.  xxii.26:  i  Pet.v-5. 
v.  Effects: 

a.  Foundation  of  meekness  and  all  virtue. 

b.  Charity  and  consideration  for  others. 

c.  Resignation  to  the  divine  Will. 

vi.  Seen  in  readiness  to  yield  and  oblige,  and  acceptance 
of  humiliations. 

III.  Obedience: 

i.  Virtue  making  us  submit  to  others  for  God's  sake, 
ii.  Grounded  on 

a.  Humility,  recognizing  our  own  inferiority. 

b.  Faith,  seeing  God  in  our  superiors.     Lke.  x.  16. 
iii.  Practised  by  Our  Lord  : 

a.  Coming  on  earth,  because  of  His  Father's  Will. 

Ps.  xxxix.  8. 

b.  Being  subject  to  Mary  and  Joseph :  Lke.  ii.  51. 

c.  Submitting  to  the  Law:  Mth.  v.  17. 
iv.  Commanded  of  God  :  e.g. 

Ex.  xx.  12 :  Eph.  vi.  i :  Col.  iii.  22  :  Heb.  xiii.  17. 
v.  Effects: 

a.  Merit  in  all  we  do. 

b.  Security  against  sin. 

c.  Peace  and  temporal  happiness. 

d.  Concord  and  welfare  of  society. 

e.  Preparation  for  the  office  of  Superior. 

Lessons : 

i.  Let  each  one  apply  these  thoughts  to  himself,  in 

practical  form, 
ii,  Invoke  Our  Lord's  help  to  "  follow  His  steps  "  herein. 


112  SERMON  PLANS 


56.     SHEEP  AND   MEN. 

"You  were  as  sheep."     I  Pet.  ii.  25. 

i.  St.  Peter  reminds  the  Faithful,  in  his  Epistle, 

a.  That  they  had  strayed,  as  sheep,  from  God  and 

the  path  of  salvation. 

b.  That   they   had   given   themselves   to   sin  and 

perdition. 

c.  How  the  Shepherd  of  their  souls  had  rescued 

them. 

ii.  See  points  of  resemblance  between  sheep  and  men. 
Learn  therefrom  lessons  of  practical  use  in  daily 
life. 

Sheep  and  Man : 

i.  Sheep  are  social  and  gregarious  animals. 

1.  They  live  and  graze  in  company. 

2.  They  assemble  together  in  danger. 

a.  Man  is  made  for  society. 

1.  Living  and  dealing  with  his  fellow-beings. 

2.  Having  one   end    in   view — security   and 

mutual  help, 
ii.  Sheep  easily  wander  away  : 

1.  They  constantly  leave  the  fold  when  able. 

2.  They  follow  each  other  in  straying. 

b.  Man  easily  strays  from  the  right  path. 

"  I  have  gone  astray  like  a  sheep."     Ps.  cxviii.  176. 
"  All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray."     Is.  liii.  6. 

1.  How   often   do   men  sin  and  stray  from 

God's  love. 
Our  own  experience  must  convince  us. 

2.  Evil  example  easily  leads  them  away, 
iii.  Sheep  easily  become  a  prey  to  wolves. 

Only  the  watchful  dog  can  drive  them  off. 

c.  Man  falls  an  easy  prey  to  the  devil  and  sin. 

1.  God's  minister  is  his  guide  and  protector. 

Through  Sacrifice,  Sacraments,  Exhor- 
tations, etc. 

2.  The  priest's  duty  to  rescue  and  recall  the 

Faithful. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  113 

iv.  Sheep  often  bring  forth  monsters : 

More  frequently  perhaps  than  other  animals. 
d.  So  in  the  moral  order  among  men. 

1.  Monsters    of     cruelty    to    children    and 

animals :  e.g. 
Many  of  the  Roman  Emperors. 

2.  Some  10,000  murders  on  earth  each  year! 

Now  you  are  converted: 

i.  Not  through  your  own  power  or  merit. 
ii.  But  by  God's  grace,  drawing  you  to  Himself. 

"No  one  can  come  to  Me,  except  the  Father  draw  him." 

Jn.  vi.  44. 
"  It  is  God  who  worketh  in  you."     Phil.  ii.  13. 

iii.  From  sin  and  evil  to  grace  and  good  life. 

iv.  During  Lent  especially,  a  time  of  grace  and  repent- 
ance. 

v.  Though  Lent  be  past,  the  spirit  of  penance  must 
ever  be  with  us. 

Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  Souls: 

i.  Christ  our  Lord  is  the  Shepherd  of  our  souls  (To- 
day's Gospel) : 

a.  Who  has  done  and   given   so  much  for  their 

welfare. 

Even    feeding    them    with    His   own    Body 
and  Blood. 

b.  Him  we  must  love  and  hear. 

ii.  As  if  to  typify  this,  He  brought  to  His  crib 

a.  The  watchers  of  sheep — the  Jewish  shepherds  : 

Lke.  ii.  16. 

b.  The  shepherds  of   nations — the  Gentile  kings : 

Mth.  ii.  ii. 
iii.  Christ  is  the  bishop  of  our  souls. 

a.  Who  has  redeemed  them  with  His  Blood. 

b.  Who  watches  over  them  and  provides  for  them. 

c.  To  whom  we  owe  obedience,  reverence,  grati- 

tude. 

Acknowledge    all    this    by   perseverance   in 
conversion. 


H4  SERMON   PLANS 


57.     THE    CHRISTIAN    PILGRIM. 

"  As  strangers  and  pilgrims."     I  Pet.  ii.  n. 

i.  Man  is  made  for  Heaven,  his  final  home, 
ii.  On  earth  he  is  therefore  as  a  "  stranger  and  pilgrim." 
iii.  See  how  pilgrims  should  act,  then  act  accordingly. 

I.  A  pilgrim  must  know  he  is  a  pilgrim: 

i.  Sometimes  travellers,  away  from  home, 

a.  Grow  enamoured  of  the  strange  land  they  are 

in  ;  and 

b.  Seem  to  forget  their  own  country,  to  which  they 

must  return, 
ii.  So  too  acts  the  Christian  pilgrim,  who 

a.  Engrosses  himself  in  the  goods  and  pleasures 

of  time. 
Houses,  wealth,  servants,  horses,  etc. 

b.  Forgets  the  object  of  his  creation  and  position 

on  earth. 

c.  Neglects  the  affairs  of  his  soul  and  the  interests 

of  eternity. 
Even   the   pagans    recognized    the   folly  of 

all  this. 

iii.  His  first  duty  will  be  to  correct  this  and  recognize 
his  position. 

II.  A  pilgrim  has  much  to  bear  on  the  way: 

i.  Besides  pleasure,  a  journey  also  entails  difficulties. 
Cold  and  heat,  danger  and  fatigue. 

a.  The  traveller  must  set  out  prepared  for  these. 

b.  On  his  return,  he  delights  to  relate  his  experi- 

ences, 
ii.  The  Christian  too  has  trials  to  bear.* 

a.  Spiritual     difficulties :      temptations,     passion, 

tepidity,  etc. 

b.  Temporal  crosses :  sickness,  misfortune,  etc. 

c .  These  he  must  meet  with  fortitude  and  courage : 

2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

d.  On   reaching   his  true  home,  he  will   exclaim 

with  S.  Peter  of  Alcantara : 

"O  happy  trials,  which  have  brought  me  so  great  a  reward." 
iii.  A  second  duty  will  be  courage  amid  difficulties. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  115 

III.  Often  the  pilgrim  is  laughed  at: 

i.  His  language  and  habits  are  strange  to  the  natives 

of  other  countries. 

But  he  passes  on  and  takes  no  notice, 
ii.  So  is  the  Christian  pilgrim  despised  by  the  world. 

"  We  are  made  as  the  refuse  of  this  world."     I  Cor.  iv.  13. 

a.  His  practices  of  piety  are  ridiculed. 

b.  His  virtues  thought  odd  and  against  fashion. 

c.  But  he  must  be  independent  and  heed  not  the 

world. 
"A  small  thing  to  be  judged  by  you."    i  Cor.  iv.  3. 

For  we  are 

"  Fellow  citizens  with  the  Saints,  and  the  domestics 
of  God."     Eph.  ii.  19. 

d.  Thus  have  holy  men  ever  acted :  e.g. 

S.Gregory  against  Henry  IV.  (see  p.  15). 
Saints  and  Martyrs  before  their  persecutors, 
iii.  The  Christian  pilgrim  must  be  proof  against  human 
respect. 

IV.  The  pilgrim  longs  for  his  country: 

i.  On    his    journey,   he   enjoys   lawful    pleasure   and 

distraction. 
Yet  he  often  thinks  of  those  at  home,  and  will 

long  to  return. 

ii.  So  let  the  Christian  pilgrim  oft  think  of  his  true 
home — Heaven. 

a.  There  God,  with  His  Angels  and  Saints,  awaits 

him. 

b.  There,  friends  and  relations  long  for  him. 

Secure  of  their  own  salvation,  anxious  for  his. 
iii.  Unless  he  longs  for  Heaven,  he  will  not  take  means 

to  reach  it :  for, 

A  real  desire  of  salvation  is  a  first  step  towards 
obtaining  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  Detach  your  hearts  from  this  land  of  exile, 
ii.  Fix  your  minds  on  Heaven,  for  which  you  are  striving. 

*  God  has  the  goodness  to  put  some  of  our  purgatory  into  each 
day  ;  let  us  embrace  the  cross  thus  presented  to  us.  Gold  is  put  into 
the  crucible  to  be  purified,  and  soon  it  will  shine  on  the  brows  of  kings, 
and  on  the  altars  of  the  living  God.  The  cross  effects  the  same  in  our 
regard  :  it  is  our  crucible. — De  Ravignan, 


n6  SERMON  PLANS 


58.     OBEDIENCE  TO   CIVIL  AUTHORITY. 

41  Be  ye  subject  .   .  .  to  the  King  .  .  .  to  Governors."     i  Pet.  iii.  13. 

i.  Words  addressed  to  the  early  Christians  by  S.  Peter : 
for, 

a.  Many  Jewish  converts  thought  themselves  free 

to  disobey  pagan  rulers ;  and, 

b.  They   inclined    to    rebel    against    the    Roman 

Emperors, 
ii.  Words  fully  applicable  to  our  own  day;  for, 

a.  The  spirit  of  independence  and  disobedience  is 

abroad. 

b.  Rebellion  against  law  and  order  is  so  common, 
iii.  Consider    then    the    duty    of    submission    to    civil 

authority. 

Be  ye  subject: 

i.  Subjection  is  the  order  of  nature :  e.g. 

Children,  to  parents;  pupils,  to  teachers,  etc. 
ii.  Similarly,  obedience  to  Civil   Rulers    is   a   natural 
duty ;  for, 

a.  Thus  only  can  unity  of  order  be  preserved  in 

the  world. 

b.  Such  obedience  of  citizens  becomes  the  stability 

of  the  State. 

iii.  In  laws  and  regulations  not  opposed  to  the  Divine 
Law;  for, 

"We  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  men."      Acts  v.  29. 

To  the  King  .  .  .  Governors: 

i.  The  King :  i.e.  the  Head  of  the  State. 

a.  Whether  King,  Emperor,  President,  etc. 

b.  The  living  representative  of  God  on  earth. 

ii.  Governors :  i.e.  all  in  subordinate  capacity,  entrusted 

with  authority. 

Magistrates  and  such  as  carry  on  the  civil  govern- 
ment of  the  country. 

iii.  Secular  authority  is  supreme  in  its  own  sphere. 

a.  In  temporal  matters,  in  temporal  government. 

b.  Its  authority,  like  all  other,  is  from  God. 


Off  THE  EPISTLES  117 

iv.  Even  to  the  wicked  and  impious : 

As  was  Nero,  when  this  Epistle  was  written, 
v.  Kings  and  magistrates  are  agents  of  God,  to  carry 

on  His  work : 
The  maintenance  of  the  life  of   Society,  for  the 

good  of  all. 
vi.  The  corollary  of  Authority  is  Obedience  to  them  that 

wield  it. 

vii.  Human  authority  is  thus  consecrated,  as  represent- 
ing the  Divine ;  and, 

Obedience  is  honoured,  a's  shown  to  God  in  His 
representatives. 

For  God's  sake  : 

i.  It  is  God  who  established  all  civil  authority ;  for, 

"  There  is  no  power  but  from  God."    Rom.  xiii.  I. 
"  By  Me  Kings  reign."     Prov.  viii.  15. 

Numa  and  Lycurgus.* 
ii.  For  the  love  of  God : 

a.  Whom  the  Civil  Authorities  always  represent. 

b.  Motive  suggested  by  S.  Paul  to  all  who  obey. 

Making    reasonable     and     meritorious     the 
service  we  pay. 

c.  That  others  seeing,  may  glorify  God:  Mth.  v.  16.* 
iii.  Who  will  punish  disobedience  shown  to  His  represen- 
tatives :  Rom.  xiii.  2. 

Lessons : 
i.  Ever  therefore  show  due  obedience  to  all   lawful 

authority. 
ii.  Guard  against  the  spirit  of  insubordination  now  so 

common, 
iii.  If  grievances   exist,  seek   redress   by  constitutional 

means  only. 

iv.  Inculcate  obedience  in  children,  while  young,  and  for 
high  motives. 


*  Numa  and  Lycurgus  feigned  to  converse  with  the  gods  and  to 
receive  from  them  the  laws  they  made  for  Rome  and  Sparta,  so  as  to 
give  them  weight  and  authority,  as  Plato  relates. 

|  Eusebius  avers  that  moved  by  the  example  of  patient  obedience 
in  a  Christian  slave,  the  Iberians  of  Spain  were  brought  to  the  knowledge 
of  God  and  the  true  Religion. 


Ii8  SERMON  PLANS 


59.     HEARING   AND  SPEAKING. 

"  Swift  to  hear,  but  slow  to  sjxrak."     Jas.  i.  19. 

i.  The  early  part  of   the  Epistle  speaks  of  the  gifts 

of  God. 
ii.  These  words  suggest  means  to  obtain  them. 

How  so  and  why? 

i.  Hearing  is  a  means  to  learning. 

11  A  wise  man  shall  hear  and  shall  be  wiser."     Prov.  i.  5. 

a.  Students  learn,  by  hearing  the  teaching  of  a 

master. 
S.  Thomas  of  Aquin.* 

b.  But  speaking  is  rather  the  work  of  a  teacher. 

1.  It  is  more  safe  and  useful  to  hear  than  to 

speak. 

2.  No  man  can  teach  well  that  has  not  first 

learnt  well. 

c.  S.  James  here  enforces  this  idea ;   because  he 

found 

1.  Some  of  the  early  Christians  preferred  to 

teach  rather  than  to  learn. 

2.  Are  there  not  many  nowadays  the  same  ? 
ii.  God,  who  is  all  wise,  gives  an  example : 

a.  For  countless  ages,  He  was  infinitely  happy  in 

Himself  alone. 

b.  Slowly  only,  viz.,  at  the  beginning  of  time,  He 

spoke  His  first  word. 
Theyfa/  that  brought  all  things  into  being. 

c.  During   nearly   6,000   years,   God   has   seldom 

spoken. 

1.  Only  what  Holy  Scripture  contains. 

2.  Man  speaks  more  in  one  year  than  God  in 

a  thousand. 

d.  They  best  imitate  God  who  are  slow  to  speak. 
iii.  Our  Lord  in  the  Incarnation  similarly: 

a.  During  30  years,  He  listened  much  and  spoke 

but  little. 

b.  Only  in  His  3oth  year  did  He  begin  to  teach. 

And  how  few  His  words  compared  with  His 
wisdom ! 


ON   THE   EPISTLES  ng 

iv.  Example  of  the  Angels,  who  most  approach  God  in 
intelligence : 

a.  How  few  their  words,  as  recorded  in  the  Sacred 

Pages : 

Raphael  to  Tobias :  Tob.  v. 
Michael  to  Daniel :  Dan.  x. 
Gabriel  to  the  B.V.M. :  Lke.  i. 

b.  Among  themselves,  they  intercommunicate  as 

by  acts  of  the  will. 
v.  Nature  itself  would  seem  to  suggest  the  same : 

a.  The  more  intelligent  animals  use  their  voice  but 

little : 
The  elephant,  the  horse. 

b.  Many  birds  of  beautiful  song  sing  only  at  stated 

times. 
The  nightingale  and  blackbird. 

c.  The  others  are  ever  chirping : 

The  swallow,  the  sparrow. 

d.  Man  has  two  ears,  only  one  tongue. 

The  former  ever  open,  the  latter  enclosed, 
vi.  Talkativeness  is  a  sign  of  foolishness ;    silence,  of 

wisdom. 

Prov.  xvii.  27 :  xxix.  20 :  Ecclus.  xxi.  29. 
vii.  Wise  men  have  ever  taught  the  same :  e.g.  among 

a.  Pagans :  Zeno,  Demosthenes,  Solon. 

b.  Christians :  S.  Gregory  Naz. :  S.  Basil :  S.  Bernard. 

Lessons  from  the  text : 

i.  "  Swift  to  hear." 

a.  Be  willing  to  listen  and  learn. 

In  sermons,  lectures,  reading. 

b.  Try  to  retain  and  digest  what  is  learnt, 
ii.  "  Slow  to  speak  :  " 

a.  Be  not  too  ready  to  talk ;  but, 

b>  Weigh  well  and  consider  what  you  say :  for, 

1.  The  spoken  word  cannot  be  recalled. 

2.  Thus  may  you  spare  yourself  many  regrets. 


*  In  his  student  days,  S.  Thomas  was  so  silent  that  he  was  named 
the  Dumb  Ox.  But  Albertus,  his  master,  soon  realized  his  genius  and 
exclaimed  :  "  You  call  him  a  Dumb  Ox,  but  a  day  will  come,  when  he 
will  bellow  so  loud  by  his  learning,  that  he  will  be  heard  the  world 
over." — His  Life,  Mch.  7. 


120  SERMON  PLANS 


60.     ANGER. 

"  Let  every  man  be  slow  to  anger."    Ja.s.  i.  19. 

i.  S.  Paul  says  anger  excludes  from  Heaven."  Gal.  v.  20. 
ii.  It  must  therefore  of  its  nature  be  a  grievous  matter, 
iii.  Hence  the  advice  of  S.  James   to-day :   "  Be  slow 
to  anger." 

Anger : 

i.  A  feeling  of  displeasure  at  real  or  supposed  injuries, 

with  a  desire  to  punish  the  offender, 
ii.  Causes: 

a.  Pride,  at  being  thwarted  or  opposed. 

b.  Envy  and  jealousy  of  others. 

Cain  against  Abel :  Gen.  iv.  5. 
iii.  Guilt: 

a.  Directly  opposed  to  the  spirit  of  Christ  and 

the  Gospel. 

"Whosoever  is  angry  with  his  brother  shall  be  in  danger 
of  the  judgment."     Mth.  v.  22. 

b.  Varying  according  to  the  degree  of  passion,  or 

evil  done. 

c.  Excluding  from  Heaven  :  hence  in  sc  mortal. 

d.  The  source  of  other  sins,  one  of  the  "capital 

sins." 

Saul,  slaying  the  priests:  i  Kgs.  xxii.  18. 
Absalom,  killing  Amnon  :  2  Kgs.  xiii.  28. 
Henry  11.  and  the  Martyrdom  of  S.Thomas: 

Dec.  29. 
iv.  Effects  (apart  the  sinfulness) : 

a.  Ridiculous  looks  and  gestures : 

Julian  the  Apostate,  foaming,  when  in  anger, 
Queen  Elizabeth,  striking  her  attendants. 

b.  Bodily  disease  and  insanity. 

Valentinian  and  the  ambassadors.* 


OM  THE  EPISTLES  121 

c.  Misery  and  unhappiness  in  self  and  others. 

The  wasp,  in  stinging,  destroys  itself. 
A  passionate  man  is  unfit  for  society,  dreaded 
by  all. 

"  Who  can  bear  the  violence  of  one  provoked?  "     Prov. 
xxvii.  4. 

d.  Blindness  of  intellect,  unreasoning  obstinacy. 

Therefore   do   not   act   under   the   influence 

of  passion, 
v.  Yet,  anger  may  sometimes  be  lawful — true  zeal. 

11  Be  ye  angry  and  sin  not."     Ps.  iv.  5. 
Moses,  against  Israel:  Ex.  xxxii.  19. 
Heli,  punished  for  lack  of  it :   i  Kgs.  iv. 
Our  Lord's  indignation  in  the  Temple :  Lke.  xix.  45. 

Lessons : 

i.  Consider  well  the  nature  and  the  evils  of  passion, 
ii.  Use  remedies  against  it :  e.g. 

a.  Daily  morning  prayer  for  strength. 

b.  Forestall  occasions  of  provocation. 

"  Forewarned  is  forearmed." 

c.  Practice  of  humility. 

d.  Study  examples  of  meekness. 

Our  Lord,  in  life  and  death :  Mth.  xi.  29. 
Our  Lady,  Inter  omnes  mitis. 
Moses,  the  meekest  of  men  :  Numb.  xii.  3. 
S.  Francis,  naturally  hasty,  become  so  gentle : 

Jan.  29. 
iii.  Show  lawful  anger,  in  due  season. 

Otherwise,   great    evils     may    arise,    and    equal 
responsibility. 


*  The  Quadri,  defeated  by  Valentinian,  sent  ambassadors  to  sue  for 
mercy.  When  they  presented  themselves,  the  Emperor  saw  that  they 
were  poor  men,  coarse  and  ill  clad.  Thinking  this  an  insult  offered  to 
himself,  he  grew  so  angry  and  passionate,  that  he  broke  a  blood'vessel 
and  died  shortly  after — death,  the  result  of  anger  ! 


122  SERMON  PLANS 


61.     CALUMNY. 

"Not  bridling  his  tongue."    Jas.  i.  26. 

i.  Man  has  three  lives : 

a.  The  Spiritual  life  of  the  soul :  injured  by  sin. 

b.  The    Temporal    life   of    the    body :    injured    by 

wounds,  etc. 

c.  The  Civil    life  of  good   fame:  injured  by  un- 

bridled tongues, 
ii.  Among  sins  of  the  tongue,  a  most  grievous  is  calumny. 

Calumny : 

i.  Imputing  crimes  and  faults  to  another  untruly. 

rt.  By  word  of  mouth,  by  letter  or  action. 

b.  Whether  through  malice  or  interest, 
ii.  Exaggerating  his  real  faults  or  defects. 
iii.  Denying  his  good  qualities  or  actions. 
iv.  Most  odious  and  malicious  sin,  against 

a.  Truth :  saying  knowingly  what  is  false. 

b.  Chanty :    showing    absence    of     all    Christian 

feeling. 

c.  Justice :       endangering       another's       temporal 

prospects. 

d.  Reltgiott :  which  is  vain,  where  the  tongue  is 

unbridled. 

e.  Manly  courage :  stabbing    in    the   dark,   in    the 

victim's  absence. 
Yet    how    common    this    sin,   especially    in 

moments  of  passion. 
v.  Guilt  of  calumny : 

a.  Always  a  sin,  because  always  a  lie. 

"  Thou  shall  not  calumniate  thy  neighbour."  Lev.  xix.  I  j. 

b.  Will  vary,  according  to 

1.  The  nature  of  the  imputation  made. 

2.  The  injury  effected  or  intended. 

3.  The  number  of  persons  hearing  it. 

c.  A  most  cruel  persecution  : 

1.  Its  bitterness  penetrates  so  deeply. 

2.  In  other  trials  usually  some  alleviation  : 

seldom  in  this. 

3.  Hence,  the  great  reward  of  those  that  bear 

it  well.  Mth.  v.  12. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  123 

vi.  Reparation  must  be  made,  where  possible. 

Otherwise  there   is  no  true   sorrow,  and  the  sin 
cannot  be  forgiven. 

The  tongue  must  be  bridled: 

i.  Our  tongue  is  as  that  of  Christ.     S.  Chrysostom. 

On  it,  is  Our  Lord  received  in  Holy  Communion.* 
ii.  The  tongue  is  a  most  dangerous  member  :  Jas.  iii. 

Of  which  we  are  so  prone  to  make  evil  use. 
iii.  The  unbridled  tongue  causes  a  three-fold  grievous 
injury : 

a.  To  God :  destroying  His  work  in  souls. 

b.  To  neighbours : 

1.  Giving  scandal  and  encouragement  in  evil 

(as  hearers). 

"  Evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners."  i  Cor.  xv.  33. 

2.  Endangering  also  their  temporal  interests 

(as  victims). 

c.  To  the  Speaker  himself,  through  his  sin. 

"The  tongue  of  the  fool  is  his  ruin."     Ecclus.  v.  15. 

iv.  The    tongue,     a     chief     instrument    for     mischief 
employed  by  the  devil. 

Lessons : 

i.  Take  to  heart  S.  James'  reminder  this  day ;  for 

Too  many  disgrace  their  Religion  by  neglect  of  it. 
ii.  Endeavour  to  bridle  the  tongue,  against  calumny,  by 

a.  Prayer   for    aid,    together   with    humility   and 

watchfulness. 

b.  Thought  of  the  presence  of  God.    Lke.  xxiv.  17. 

c.  Thought  of  the  account  we  must  give  of  our 

words.  Mth.  xii.  36. 
iii.  Unless  this  be  done,  religion  will  little  avail  us. 


*  A  magnificent  horse  was  once  lent  to  one  of  the  Popes.  Having 
once  borne  the  Supreme  Pontiff,  it  would  never  allow  any  one  else  to 
mount  it.  The  tongue  of  the  Christian,  which  so  often  bears  Our 
Lord  in  Holy  Communion,  ought  never  to  serve  any  other  master. — : 
Fdber, 


124  SERMON  PLAMS 


62.     DETRACTION. 

"  Not  bridling  his  tongue."    Jas.  i.  26. 

i.  Many  evils  follow  the  unbridled  use  of  the  tongue. 

Hence  this  warning  of  the  Apostle, 
ii.  Among  common  sins  of  the  tongue  is  Detraction. 
iii.  Consider  this,  lest  our  religion  prove  vain. 

Detraction : 

i.  Consists  in 

a.  Making  known  without  cause  the  secret  faults 

of  another. 
By  word  of  mouth,  insinuation,  writing,  etc. 

b.  Imparting  uncharitable  news,  even  as  a  secret. 

c.  Hinting  there  are  things  others  know  not  of  a 

neighbour :  or, 

d.  Seeking  to  lessen  the  merit  of  his  good  works, 
ii.  Often  a  grievous  sin ; 

"  The  detractor  is  the  abomination  of  men."  Prov.  xxiv.  9. 
"  Detractors,  hateful  to  God."     Rom.  i.  30. 

a.  Against  Charity : 

1.  Doing  an  act  of  hatred  or  dislike. 

2.  Exposing    a    neighbour    to     ridicule    or 

contempt. 

3.  Causing  him  pain,  should  it  reach  his  ears. 

b.  Against  Justice  : 

1.  Robbing  another  of  the  esteem  he  enjoys. 

2.  Exposing  him  thus  to  temporal  losses. 

c.  Against  the  Example  of  Christ, 

Who  would  not  name  the  one  that  was  to 
betray  Him. 

d.  Committing,  as  it  were,  a  three-fold  murder : 

1.  In  the  soul  of  the  Detractor  himself. 

2.  In  the  soul  of  the  Listener. 

3.  In  the  civil  life  of  the  Victim. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  125 

iii.  The  guilt  of  the  Detraction  depends  on 

a.  The  character  and  position  of  him 

1.  Who  speaks  the  evil :  and 

2.  Of  whom  the  evil  is  spoken. 

b.  The  nature  of  the  fault  revealed. 

c.  The  number  of  those  who  hear  it. 

d.  The  injury  thus  caused. 

iv.  Forbidden  also  in  regard  to  the  dead. 

a.  They  still  have  a  right  to  their  good  name. 

b.  Surviving   friends    are    also    affected    by    the 

detraction. 

Wolves  and  the  dead.* 
v.  Reparation  necessary  where  possible. 

According    to    the   nature   of    the   sin,   and    the 
circumstances  of  the  case. 

Lessons : 

i.  We  have  faults  enough  of  our  own,  without  troubling 

about  those  of  others, 
ii.  Avoid  detraction  as  mean  and  dastardly. 

The  frogs  and  the  dark.f 

iii.  Remember  the  evils  of  this  sin,  often  irreparable :  e.g. 
Hatred,  misunderstandings,  temporal  and  eternal 

loss, 
iv.  Be    not   deceived :    a   detracting   tongue    and   true 

religion  are  incompatible. 

v.  Endeavour   to   be   kindly,   in   thoughts   and  words 
about  others. 


*  Wolves  sometimes  tear  up  the  soil  of  graves,  to  prey  on  the 
bodies  of  the  dead.  Detractors  are  sometimes  so  keen  of  evil,  that 
they  spare  not  even  friends  and  others  deceased. 

t  Frogs  are  usually  silent  during  the  daytime,  but  in  the  darkness 
of  the  night  they  croak  and  make  noise  enough.  Detractors  dare  not 
speak  evil  openly  before  their  victim,  but  only  in  the  dark,  as  it  were, 
and  behind  his  back. 


ja6  SERMON  PLANS 


63-     THOUGHTS  ON   THE   ASCENSION. 

"  A  cloud  received  Him  out  of  their  sight."     Acts  i.  9. 

i.  Each    mystery    of     Our    Lord's    history    presents 

thoughts  and  lessons, 
ii.  Consider  some  in  reference  to  His  Ascension. 

He  was  taken  to  Heaven : 

i.  Not  by  the  hands  of  Angels, 
ii.  But  by  His  own  divine  power,  as  God-Man. 

By    the    "agility"    imparted    to     His     glorified 

Humanity, 
iii.  Opening  to  man  the  gates  of    Heaven,  closed  by 

Adam's  sin. 
iv.  Why  at  the  early  age  of  34  ? 

a.  Christ  came  to  offer  His  life  to  redeem  us. 

1.  Befitting  that  this  should  be  in  the  fulness 

of  age;  for, 

2.  Adam  was  created,  and  sinned,  in  perfect 

manhood. 

3.  Christ  repaired  this  evil  at  that  same  age. 

b.  He  had  completed  the  work  He  came  to  do:  viz. : 

1.  The  preaching  of  His  doctrine. 

2.  The  practising  of  all  virtues. 

3.  The  working  of  many  miracles. 

4.  The  founding  of  His  Church  on  earth. 

c.  Heaven  thus  now  due  to  His  sacred  Humanity. 

As  it  is  also  promised  to  His  followers. 

d.  To  teach  us  not  to  desire  long  life,  but  I  leaven 

rather. 

Forty  days  after  the  Resurrection : 

i.  The  number  40   is  sacred  and  of    frequent  use  in 

Scripture : 

The  deluge  lasted  40  days :  Gen.  vii.  4. 
Moses  was  40  days  on  the  mount:  Ex.  xxiv.  18. 
Our  Lord  fasted  40  days:  Mth.  iv.  2, 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  127 

ii.  Fulfilling  types  of  old : 

a.  God    showed   Himself    40   days   to    Moses,  in 

giving  the  Old  Law. 

Christ    spent    40    days    with    the  Apostles, 
completing  the  New  Law. 

b.  The   Jews  wandered   40   years   in   the   desert, 

journeying  towards  Cana. 

1.  Christ  remained  40  days  before  returning 

to  Heaven. 

2.  This  also  denotes  our  whole  life  of  exile 

on  earth, 
iii.  A  recompense  to    His  Apostles,  for  His  40  hours' 

separation  from  them,  in  death. 

iv.  Gradually  weaning  them  from  His  visible  presence, 
v.  Showing  His  liberality  in  bestowing  consolation : 

a.  For  40  hours'  withdrawal,  He  gives  40  days  of 

His  presence. 

b.  Thus  does  He  also  deal  with  souls :  joy  after  pain. 

Speaking  of  the  Kingdom  of  God : 

i.  The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  and  its  glory. 

The  eternal  reward  for  which  all  must  strive, 
ii.  The  Kingdom  of  the  Church  on  earth  : 

a.  Where  God  reigns  in  souls  by  His  grace. 

b.  Which  is  the  way  to  the  Church  in  Heaven, 
iii.  Giving  the  Apostles  instructions,  as  to 

a.  The  constitution  of  the  Church. 

b.  The  preaching  of  the  Gospel  to  men. 

c.  The  Sacraments  and  Sacrifice. 

d.  The  Christian  virtues,  leading  to  Heaven. 

e.  The  spiritual  trials  and  persecutions  to  come : 

Mth.  xi.  12. 
iv.  Teaching  us  to  think  and  speak  of  Heaven  : 

a.  Heaven,  our  support  in  trial. 

S.  Felicitas  and  her  children  :  Jly.  10. 

b.  Heaven,  the  reward  of  our  fidelity. 

Faith  in  which  will  make  us  strong  in  God  : 

Heb.  xi. 

Let  us  to-day  fix  our  eyes  and  hearts  on  Our  Lord 
ascending  to  Heaven,  (whence  He  came  to  redeem 
us)  which  we  must  all  strive  to  gain. 


128  SERMON  PLANS 


64.     PURPOSES  OF  THE   ASCENSION. 

"  Beholding  Him  going  up  to  Heaven."     Acts  i.  10. 

Objects  of  Our  Lord's  Ascension: 
i.  To  receive  the  reward  of  His  merits : 

a.  Heaven  only  is  the  place  befitting  a  glorified 

body. 

b.  During  life  Christ  suffered  ignominy  and  pain. 

c.  The  reward  of  this  is  bestowed  to-day. 

ii.  To  triumph  over  enemies,  spiritual  and  temporal. 

As  a  prince  returns  home  after  his  victory. 
iii.  To  reopen  the  gates  of  Heaven  to  man. 

a.  Adam's  sin  had  closed  these  gates  for  ever. 

b.  All  men  together  unable  to  reopen  them. 

c.  On  this  day  He  ascended,  accompanied  by  the 

souls  in  Limbo. 

iv.  To   rejoice   and    adorn   the   kingdom   of    Heaven : 
Apoc.  xxi.  23. 

a.  The  angels  acclaim  Him  in  gladness  and  joy : 

Apoc.  v.  12. 

b.  He  is  seated  in  glory,  on  the  right  hand  of  the 

Father. 

c.  The  Sacred  Humanity,  one  of   the  joys  and 

beauties  of  Heaven. 

v.  To  show  that  His  kingdom  was  not  of  the  earth  : 
Jn.  xviii.  36. 

a.  The  Apostles   thought   He  would  establish  a 

kingdom  here. 

b.  Their  minds  and  hearts  at  first  fixed  on  things 

of  earth.     But, 

c.  Vanity,  self-love,  etc.  cannot  ascend  to  Heaven, 
vi.  To  confirm  the  divinity  of  His  doctrine  : 

a.  lie   taught   that    He  came   from    Heaven   to 

deliver  it. 

b.  He  visibly  returned  thither  in  proof  of  this. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  129. 

vii.  To  send  down  the  Holy  Ghost :  Jn.  xvi.  7. 

a.  To  be  the  light  of  the  Church. 

b.  To  be  the  strength  of    the  Apostles  and  the 

Faithful. 

We  should  therefore  prepare  for  the  coming 
Pentecost. 

c.  To  complete  Our  Lord's  work  in  the  Church, 
viii.  To  prepare  a  place  for  us :  Jn.  xiv.  2. 

a.  According  to  the  merits  and  sanctity  of  each  one. 

b.  Here  at  least  is  ambition  truly  lawful — to  strive 

for  a  high  place. 
S.  Martin  in  death.* 
ix.  To  be  our  Mediator : 

"  We  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  Just." 

I  Jn.  ii.  I. 

"  He  is  the  propitiation  of  our  sins."     I  Jn.  ii.  2. 
"Christ  .  .  .  maketh  intercession  for  us."     Rom.  viii.  34. 

x.  To   be  able  to  remain  with  us  in  the   Most  Holy 

Eucharist. 
Visible  presence  with  sacramental  presence  would 

seem  incongruous. 
Lessons : 

i.  See  here  reasons  to  rejoice  on  this  Festival, 
ii.  Our  Lord's  Ascension,  a  pledge  of  our  own. 
iii.  These  thoughts  should  help 

a.  To  strengthen  us  in  temptation  and  trial. t 

b.  To  revive  our  courage  in  despondency. 

c.  To  make  us  despise  things  of  earth. 

d.  To  make  us  long  for  God's  glorious  kingdom. 

*  Full  of  confidence  in  the  consoling  thought,  that  Our  Lord  by 
His  Ascension  had  gone  to  prepare  a  place  for  us,  S.  Martin,  on  his 
death-bed,  kept  his  eyes  fixed  on  Heaven,  as  in  an  ecstasy.  His 
disciples  suggested  he  should  turn  on  his  side  for  relief,  but  he  replied  : 
"  Leave  me  to  contemplate  Heaven  rather  than  the  earth,  and  to  medi- 
tate on  the  path  my  Saviour  took  to  Heaven,  which  path  I  hope  my  soul 
will  shortly  follow  to  go  and  be  united  to  my  God." — His  Life:  NOV.II. 

t  Struggle,  labour  and  suffering  are  the  three  elements  of  life  here 
below  :  they  are  painful  and  often  discouraging.  But  happy  we,  if  we 
have  a  larger  share  of  them,  for  they  will  bring  us  in  closer  union  with 
Christ,  in  the  glory  which  results  from  them, 

J 


I3<»  SERMON  PLANS 


65.     PRUDENCE   AND   PRAYER. 

"  Be  prudent,  and  watch  in  prayers."     i  Pet.  iv.  7. 

i.  This  three-fold  advice  always  seasonable. 
ii.  Yet  especially  so,  between  Easter  and  Pentecost : 

a.  That  we  may  guard  the  peace  gained  through 

our  Easter  confession. 

b.  That  we  may  prepare  for  the  coming  of   the 

Holy  Ghost, 
iii.  We  can  easily  lose  this  peace :  the  Holy  Spirit  will 

not  enter  a  soul  in  sin  :  Wisd.  i.  4. 
iv.  Consider  then  the  three  duties  of 

I.  Prudence: 

i.  Virtue  dictating   what  is   best  to  be  done,  to  act 

according  to  God's  will. 

The  guide  of  all  the  other  virtues.     S.  Bernd. 
ii.  Office  of  prudence : 

a.  To  discover  good  and  the  means  to  it. 

b.  To  judge  all  the  circumstances  of  a  case. 

c.  To  direct  the  will  to  do  right. 
iii.  Means  to  obtain  it : 

a.  Fervent  prayer : 

"Show,  O  Lord,  Thy  ways  to  me,  and  teach  me  Thy 
paths."     Ps.  xxiv.  4. 

b.  Willingness  to  take  advice : 

"Seek  counsel  always  of  a  wise  man."    Job.  iv.  19. 
"  My    son,    do    thou    nothing     without     counsel." 
Ecclus.  xxxii.  24. 

c.  Subdue  the  passions,  which  blind  the  intellect, 
iv.  Examples : 

King  Solomon:  3  Kgs.  iii.  12. 
The  five  wise  Virgins :  Mth.  xxv. 

II.  Watchfulness: 

"  Watch   ye,  and   pray  that  ye   enter  not  into  temptation." 
Mill.  xxvi.  41. 

i.  Avoid  occasions  of  sin  : 
Person,  place  or  thing. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  131 

ii.  Guard   the    senses,   avenues    of    sin    to    the    soul, 

especially  the  eyes. 

iii.  Foresee  occasions  of  danger,  and  prepare  for  them. 
iv.  Unless  we  watch,  prayer  will  be  like  tempting  God. 
v.  S.  Peter  was  taught  by  the  experience  of  his  triple 
fall :  Mth.  xxvi. 

Hence  his  advice  herein. 

III.  Prayer: 

i.  Under  prayer  would  come : 
a.  Fervent  petition  to 

1.  God,  for  jnrace  and  strength. 

2.  Bl.  Virgin,  for  protection  and  aid. 

3.  Angel  Guardians,  and  Patron  Saints. 
'   b.  Ejaculations  in  time  of  need. 

c.  Reception  of   the  Sacraments,  as  fountains  of 

strength. 
The  practice  of  the  Saints  and  holy  souls. 

d.  Meditation,  or  instruction  on  the  eternal  truths, 
ii.  Especially  this  week,  for  the  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

a.  Like  the  Apostles,  making  the  first  novena  in 

the  Church. 

b.  The    greater     our     fervour,    the    greater    the 

abundance  of  these  graces. 

Lessons : 

i.  Some  at  Pentecost  will  displease  the  Holy  Spirit  by 
their  sin. 

a.  Wanting  in   prudence:    walking   on   the   very 

brink  of  hell. 

b.  Devoid  of   watchfulness:  throwing  themselves 

into  every  occasion. 

c.  Careless   of    prayer:  feeling   not   the   need   of 

divine  help, 
ii.   We  at  least  must  imitate  the  Apostles  this  week : 

a.  In  prudence :  withdrawing  occasionally  from  the 

world. 

b.  In  watchfulness :  controlling  and  mortifying  the 

senses. 

c.  In  prayer :  preparing   ourselves   for   the    Holy 

Ghost. 

Then  will  He  come  with  the  abundance  of  His 
Gifts. 


I3a  SERMON  PLANS 


66-     CHARITY  TO   OTHERS. 

"  Have  a  mutual  charity  among  yourselves."  I  Pet.  iv.  8. 

i.  Our  Lord  has  shown  the  greatest  love  in  our  regard. 

Incarnation  :  Passion  and  Death  :  Bl.  Sacrament, 
ii.  Such   love  S.  Peter  desires    us    to  show  to  each 

other. 

Motives  of  Charity : 

i.  Our  neighbour  is  the  object  of  God's  eternal  love : 
Jer.  xxxi.  3. 

a.  His  immortal  soul  is  redeemed  like  ours,  and 

dear  to  God. 

b.  God's  love  for  it  compared  to  that  of  a  mother 

for  her  child:  Is.  xlix.  15. 

c.  We  all  have  the  same  Father,  and  are  destined 

for  the  same  Home. 

d.  How   fail   to  love  what   God  loves    so  well : 

i  Jn.  iv.  ii. 

e.  Mere  philanthropy  is  not  the  Christian  virtue  of 

Charity : 

1.  Seeking  chiefly  the  good  of  the  body. 

2.  Based,  too  often,  on  mere  human  motives, 
ii.  The  command  of  God  : 

"Thou  shall  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself."     Mth.  xxii.  39. 

a.  The  love  of  our  neighbour  is  like  to  the  love 

of  God. 
4.  It  is  declared  to  be  the  fulfilment  of  the  law: 

Rom.  xiii.  10. 

c.  Without  it,  love  of  God  is  not  genuine, 
iii.  Christ  calls  this  precept  His  own  special  command  : 

Jn.  xv.  12. 
iv.  Our    lot   for   eternity   is   made   to    depend    on    it : 

Mth.  xxv. :  e.g. 
a.  Our  union  with  God  in  Heaven  : 

1.  What  we  do  to  others,  we  do  unto  God. 

"  I  was  hungry,  and  you  gave  Me  to  eat,"  etc. 

2.  This  the  reason  of  our  great  reward. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  133 

b.  Our  separation  from  God  in  Hell : 

1.  What  we  fail  to  do  to  others,  we  fail  doing 

to  Him. 
"  I  was  hungry,  and  you  gave  Me  not  to  eat,"  etc, 

2.  This  the  reason  of  the  soul's  damnation. 

c.  No  duty  could  be  more  strongly  enforced. 

Charity  requires 

i.  Intelligence  : 

a.  Recognizing  the  reasons  for  loving  one  another, 

(above). 

b.  Avoiding  love  based  on  mere  sentiment,  or  fancy. 

c.  Reasoning   on   the    excellence   and    beauty  of 

every  soul, 
ii.  Devotedness : 

a.  Readiness  for  self-sacrifice : 

In  time,  wealth,  goods,  personal  service. 

b.  Every  day  brings  opportunities  for  this, 
iii.  Restraint  of  the  tongue : 

a.  Criticism  and  discussions  ruin  Charity. 

b.  Tale-bearing,    ignoble    tittle-tattle,    etc.    cause 

endless  mischief. 

c.  A  tongue  without  restraint  is  the  tongue  of  a 

viper :  5.  Bernd. 

Manner  of  showing  Charity : 

i.  We  must  love  all  without  exception. 

As  God   makes   His   sun  to   rise   upon   all : 
Mth.  v.  45. 

a.  Relatives,  friends,  benefactors. 

b.  Fellow-countrymen    and    co-religionists  :     Gal. 

vi.  10. 

c.  Even  our  enemies,  like  Our  Lord  on  the  Cross : 

Lke.  xxiii.  34. 
ii.  In  practical  form:  i  Jn.  iii.  18:  e.g. 

Through  the  works  of  mercy,  spiritual  and  corporal, 
iii.  In  a  kindly  and  cheerful  spirit:  Ecclus.  xxxv.  ii. 
iv.  The  good,  unselfish  spirit  is  everything. 

Lessons : 

i.  Examine  your  conduct  as  to  brotherly  love. 
ii.  Repair  the  past,  by  good  resolutions  for  the  future, 
iii.  Charity  brings  its  own  reward  both  here  and  hereafter. 
"Charity  coverelh  a  multitude  of  sins."  (Ep.  to-day.) 


134  SERMON  PLANS 


67.     TONGUES  OF   FIRE. 

"  Parted  tongues,  as  it  were,  of  fire."     Acts  ii.  3. 

i.  Three  appearances  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  world  : 

a.  As  a  dove,  at  Our  Lord's  Baptism :  Mth.  iii.  16. 

b.  As  a  cloud,  at  His  Transfiguration  :  Mth.  xvii.  5. 

c.  As  tongues  of  fire,  on  Pentecost :  Acts  ii.  3. 
ii.  Consider  to-day  the  meaning  of  this  last. 

Parted  tongues : 

i.  Numerous,  one  over  each  of  those  assembled  together, 
ii.  Denoting  the  multitude  of  the  gifts  to  be  bestowed. 

"There    are    diversities  of   graces,    but   the    same    Spirit." 
i  Cor.  xii.  4. 

iii.  The  tongue  enables  us  to  distinguish  between  bitter 

and  sweet. 
The    Holy    Ghost,  between    things    earthly    and 

spiritual, 
iv.  We  need  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  rule  and  sanctify  the 

tongue. 
v.  Denoting  the  gift  of  tongues  in  the  Apostles : 

a.  Necessary,  to  enable  them  to  preach  the  new 

Gospel  to  all  men. 

Men    of    every    nation     understood    them : 
Acts  ii.  8. 

b.  Some  Saints  have  also  had  this  gift.* 

vi.  Implying  the  ministry  of  the  Word,  and  the  duty  of 

preaching. 

Success     of    the    preaching     of    the    Apostles: 
Acts  ii.  41  :  iv.  4. 

As  it  were: 

i.  Implying  the  likeness  to  fire,  not  the  reality, 
ii.  No  real  dove   at   Our  Lord's   Baptism ;    only   the 
appearance. 

Fire: 

i.  The  Old   Law  given  amid  thunder  and  lightning : 

Ex.  xix. 

The  New  Law,  under  this  form  of  fire, 
ii.  The  Law  of  Christ  was  to  be  a  law  of  fire,  (Charity 

and  zeal). 


ott  THE  EptsTLES  r35 

iii.  As  the  Holy  Spirit  had  strengthened  the  Prophets 
by  fire,  so  now  the  Apostles :  e.g. 

Isaias  vi.  7. 

Jeremias:  Lam.  i.  13. 
iv.  Denoting  the  effects  of  the  Holy  Ghost :  e.g. 

a.  Fire  purifies :  e.g.  metals  from  their  dross. 

The    Holy   Ghost   cleanses    the    soul    from 
imperfections. 

b.  Fire  consumes  what  comes  in  its  way. 

The  Holy  Ghost  consumes  our  hearts  with 
love. 

c.  Fire  gives  light :  the  Holy  Ghost 

1.  Is  the  light  of  God,  to  show  us  the  path  to 

Heaven. 

2.  Is  to  be  invoked  in  doubt,  and  difficulty  of 

any  kind. 

d.  Fire  gives  heat  : 

The   Holy   Ghost    animates    the    soul   with 
practical  charity. 

Lessons : 

i.  We  too  all  need  the  Holy  Ghost : 

Be  convinced  of  this,  and  seek  His  gifts, 
ii.  Confirmation  especially  bestows  them;   and  supplies 

the  need, 
iii.  Pentecost 

a.  Renews  His  graces. 

Not  in  miraculous  form,  yet  most  truly  in  the 
soul. 

b.  Hence  the  benefit  of  its  annual  observance, 
iv.  Devotion  to  this  Holy  Spirit 

a.  Preserves  His  gifts  within  us  :  hence, 

b.  Aspirations  of  love,  hymns,  etc.  in  His  honour. 


*  S.  Vincent  Ferrer  (Apl.  5)  always  preached  in  Spanish  or  Latin, 
yet  was  understood  by  French  and  Greeks,  Germans  and  English,  who 
flocked  to  hear  him — S.  Dominic  (Aug.  4)  was  desirous  of  teaching 
the  true  religion  to  some  Germans  whom  he  met,  but  was  unable  to  do 
so,  not  knowing  their  language  :  he  prayed  to  God  for  a  knowledge  of 
it ;  his  prayer  was  heard,  and  for  some  days  together  he  instructed 
those  Germans — S.  Anthony  of  Padua  (June  13)  had  the  gift  of 
languages,  and  by  the  light  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  able  to  read  the 
state  of  men's  souls — So  in  like  manner,  S.  Francis  Xavier  (Dec.  3), 
among  the  various  peoples  of  India. 


136  S&RMON  PLANS 


68.     THE   HOLY  GHOST. 

"They  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost."    Acts  ii.  4. 
i.  The  event  of  to-day  is 

a.  The  beginning  of  a  new  life  in  the  Apostles. 

b.  The  completion  of  the  foundation  of  the  Church, 
ii.  Consider  three  truths,  concerning  the  Author  of  such 

work. 

First  Truth:  The  Holy  Ghost  is  the  third  person  of 

the  Bl.  Trinity, 
i.  A  person  is  a  complete  substance : 

a.  Endowed  with  reason. 

b.  Existing  in  itself. 

c.  Responsible  for  its  own  actions. 

ii.  The  Holy  Ghost  is  truly  a  person  :  because, 

a.  Fulfilling  the  conditions  of  the  definition. 

b.  Called  so  equivalently  in  Holy  Scripture. 

"He  shall  give  you  another  Paraclete."  Jn.  xiv.  16. 
"  I  will  send  Him  to  you.    Jn.  xvi.  7. 

c.  Scripture  attributes  to  Him  the  acts  of  a  person. 

"The  Holy  Ghost  will  teach  you  all  things."  Jn.  xiv.  26. 
"The  Spirit  Himself  asketh  for  us."     Rom.  viii.  26. 

iii.  Third  in  the  order  of  the  Divine  Persons:    Mth. 
xxviii.  19. 

Second  Truth :  The  Holy  Ghost  proceeds  from  Father 

and  Son. 
i.  As  from  one  principle.     CL  of 'Florence. 

a.  Called  the  Spirit  of  the  Father:   Mth.  x.  20: 

Spirit  of  the  Son  :  Gal.  iv.  6. 

b.  Said  to  be  sent  by  the  Father :  Jn.  xiv.  26 :  by 

the  Son  :  Jn.  xv.  26. 

ii.  Two  modes  of  procession  in  the  Divine  Persons :  by 
way  of 

a.  Knowledge,  (generation),  as  with  the  Son. 

b.  Love,  (spiration),  as  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 


OAT   THE  EPISTLES  137 

iii.  The  Holy  Ghost  not  later  than  Father  or  Son  : 

a.  The  mutual  love  of  these  is  eternal. 

b.  Hence  the  Holy  Ghost  is  eternal  like  them. 

Third  Truth :  The  Holy  Ghost  is  equal  to  the  Father 

and  the  Son. 
i.  The  Holy  Ghost  is  called  God. 

"  The  Father,  the  Word  and  the  Holy  Ghost :    and  these 

three  are  one."     I  Jn.  v.  7. 

"The  Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  you."     I  Cor.  iii.  16. 
Ananias  lying  to  the  Holy  Ghost  lied  to  God : 

Acts  v.  3,  4. 
ii.  Scripture  gives  Him  divine  attributes  :  e.g. 

a.  Omniscience  : 

"The  Spirit  searcheth  all  things:  yea,  the  deep  things 
of  God."     I  Cor.  ii.  10. 

b.  Omnipresence  : 

"The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  hath  filled  the  whole  world." 
Wisd.  i.  7. 

c.  Omnipotence : 

"  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Most  High  shall  overshadow  thee."  Lke.  i.  35. 

d.  Miracles: 

"  I  by  the  Spirit  of  God  cast  out  devils."     Mth.  xii.  28. 
iii.  Thus  the  Holy  Ghost  is  the  same  Lord  and  God  as 
the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  is  equal  to  them  in 
all  things  for  ever. 

Lessons : 

i.  Pentecost  will  repeat  the  event  it  commemorates : 

In  different  form,  yet  as  truly  as  with  the  Apostles, 
ii.  The  Holy  Ghost  will  come  to  us  also,  if  we  avoid 

a.  Mortal  sin,  which  excludes  Him  from  the  soul. 

b.  Venial  sin,  which  grieves  Him. 

iii.  Cultivate  special  devotion  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  as 

a.  The  Light  of  God,  to  guide  us. 

b.  The  Grace  of  God,  to  strengthen  us. 

iv.  Invoke  Him  in  times  of  trial,  doubt  and  difficulty. 


138  SERtfON  PLANS 


69.     GOD'S   KNOWLEDGE. 

"  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  of  the  knowledge  of  God."    Rom.  xi  33. 

i.  God's  knowledge  far  surpasses  that  of  all  angels  and 
men :  it  is 

a.  From  eternity  and  incapable  of  increase. 

b.  At  the  same  moment :  we  proceed  from  know- 

ledge to  knowledge. 

c.  From  Himself:  not  through  creatures. 

ii.  Consider  to-day  this  infinite  knowledge  of  the  triune 
God. 

God  knows  and  sees  all  things :  i  Jn.  iii.  20. 

i.  All  things  known  and  knowable :  e.g. 

a.  Actual,  i.e.  now  existing  :  e.g. 

Every  grain  of  sand,  every  flower,  insect  and 
being. 

b.  Possible,  i.e.  that  might  exist  but  do  not : 

"  God  callcth  those  things  that  are  not,  as  those  that 
are."   Rom.  iv.  17. 

c.  Past: 

1.  The  good  and  bad  acts  of  men  from  the 

beginning  of  time. 

2.  The  details  of  all  men's  lives. 

d.  Present  : 

"All  things  are  naked  and  open  to  His  eyes."  Hcbr.  iv.  13. 

1.  All   the  actions  of  men  now  doing  in  all 

parts. 

2.  All  events  now  occurring  throughout  the 

universe. 
c.  Future : 

1.  Events  good  and  bad  yet  to  occur. 

Jesus   knew  who  was  to   betray  Him. 
Jn.  vi.  65. 

2.  Things  yet  to  come  into  existence. 

The     predictions    of    Christ     and    the 
Prophets. 

3.  The  future  free  acts  of  men. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  139 

/.  Conditional  Future,  i.e.  what   would    be,  under 

certain  conditions : 
David's  danger,  if  he  went  to  Ceila :    i  Kgs. 

xxiii.  12. 
The  repentance  of  Tyre,  if  it  had  had  the 

graces  of  Corozain  :  Mth.  xi.  21. 
ii.  Even  our  most  secret  thoughts. 

"  I  know  their  thoughts."     Deut.  xxxi.  21. 
"The  Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts  of  men."     Ps.  xciii.  II. 
Hidden  from  all,  in  the  depths  of  the  heart. 
Jesus  read  the  thoughts  of  the  Scribes :  Mth.  ix.  4. 
He  knew  the  heart  of  Nathaniel.    Jn.  i.  47. 
iii.  This  knowledge  does  not  destroy  man's  free-will : 

a.  Man  does  not  act,  because  God  knows  and  sees 

the  act. 

b.  But  God  knows  and  sees  the  act,  because  man 

will  do  it.* 
iv.  Mystery  explained  by  the  Eternity  and  Immensity 

of  God. 

v.  The  source  of  God's  unerring  justice. 
Fatalism  holds  that 
i.  Everything  that  is  must  be. 
ii.  Nothing  can  be  otherwise  than  it  is. 
iii.  Man  therefore  is  not  free  to  act. 
iv.  God  cannot  therefore  justly  punish  or  reward, 
v.  Man  need  take  no  precautions  in  sickness,  etc. 
vi.  There  is  no  Providence. 

All  which  teaching  favours  passion  and  justifies 

crime ! 
Lessons : 

i.  As  God  sees  all,  so  must  we,  as  His  images,  see 

a.  The  Past,  to  humble  ourselves  and  return  thanks. 

b.  The  Present,  to  profit  by  it. 

c.  The  Future,  to  prepare  for  it. 

ii.  God  sees  me !  these  words  well  meditated  prevent 
more  crime  than  all  preachers  together. 

iii.  The  thought  that  God  sees  us  should  also  comfort 
us  in  trial. 

*  If,  standing  by  the  banks  of  a  river,  you  see  a  log  of  wood  up 
the  water  floating  towards  you,  you  know  that  in  time  it  will  reach  the 
place  where  you  are  standing  and  pass  before  you.  The  log  however 
does  not  come  down  to  you  because  you  see  it,  but  you  know  it  will 
pass  you,  because  it  is  coming. 


SERMON  PLANS 


70.     EFFECTS  OF   THE   LOVE   OF  GOD. 

"  His  charity  is  perfected  in  us."     I  Jn.  iv.  12. 

i.  True  love  is  ever  fertile  in  results. 
ii.  The  stronger  the  flame  of  God's  love  within  us,  the 
more  perfect  its  effects. 

Effects  of  the  love  of  God : 

i.  It  purifies  the  soul  from  earthly  desires: 

a.  The  heart  is  made  to  love,  and  must  find  an 

object  to  love. 

b.  The  more  we  fix  it  on  God,  the  more  we  detach 

it  from  things  of  earth, 
ii.  It  leads  the  soul  to  do  all  for  God:   i  Cor.  x.  31. 

a.  Whoso   loveth   God,   eats,   not    for    pleasure's 

sake  but,  to  please  Him. 

b.  Sleep,  study,  labour,  etc.  are  all  in  like  manner 

for  God. 
c\  Love  is  thus  a  link  of  union  between  lover  and 

beloved :  e.g. 

Jacob  and  Benjamin  :  Gen.  xliv.  20. 
Jonathan  and  David:   i   Kgs.  xviii.  i. 
The  early  Christians,  through  love,  had  all 

things  in  common :  Acts  iv.  32. 
iii.  It   makes  the  soul  desire  and  do  great  things  for 

God:  e.g. 

The  Apostles  rejoiced  to  suffer  for  Christ:  Acts  v.  41. 

S.  Paul  thought  his  trials  but  light:  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

Undertakings  of  missionaries,  in  spite  of  all  dangers. 

Things  not  easy  in  themselves,  but  easy  to  them 

that  love. 
iv.  The  same  love  tends  to  increase  daily  in  the  soul. 

a.  The  salamander  was  supposed  to  live  on  fire. 

Symbol  of  the  lover's  heart. 

b.  God's  love  is  as  a  flame  ever  burning  within. 

c.  Some  Saints  seem  to  have  been  all  consumed 

with  love :  e.g. 
S.  Francis  of  Assisi :  Oct.  4. 
i.  Who  saw  God  in  all  things. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  141 

2.  Who  burned  with  love  to  the  Blessed 

Sacrament. 

3.  Who  was  rewarded  with  the  Stigmata. 
S.  Philip  Neri :  May  26. 

v.  It  makes  the  soul  try  to  spread  love  in  others :  e.g. 
S.  Paul,  writing  to  the  Corinthians :  2  Cor.  v.  20. 
The  Saints  wept  to  see  God  so  little  loved. 
The  efforts  of  holy  men  to  bring  souls  to  God. 

"  He  that  hath  no  zeal  hath  no  love."     S.  Bernd. 

vi.  It  gives  the  soul  power  with  God : 

Jacob  wrestling  with  the  angel :  Gen.  xxxii.  28. 
S.  Francis  of  Assisi  commanded  the  brute  creation. 
The  Saints,  through  love,  worked  miracles  of  power. 
They  read  the  hearts  of  men,  and  knew  the  future, 
vii.  It  brings  peace  and  joy  to  the  soul : 
Job,  amid  all  his  trials :  Job  i.  ii. 
David  ever  sang  the  praises  of  God :  Ps.  xxxiii.  2. 
S.  Lawrence's  joy  on  the  gridiron  :  Aug.  10. 
"  Enough,  O  Lord,  enough,"  exclaimed  S.  Francis 

Xavier:  Dec.  3. 
viii.  It  makes  the  soul  to  languish  and  die  in  God. 

Our  Lady  died,  not  of  disease,  but  of  pure  love 

of  God. 
The  ecstasies  of  the  Saints. 

Lessons ; 

i.  Appreciate  the   beauty  of   this   love   of   God,  true 

beauty  of  the  soul.* 
ii.  Take  means  to  obtain  it :  e.g. 

a.  Strive  for  a  more  perfect  knowledge  of  God. 

It  is  just  their  knowledge  which  makes  the 

"  charity  "  of  the  Blessed  so  full. 
I.  Consideration  of  one's  own  nothingness. 

c.  Purity  of  heart  and  detachment  from  creatures. 

d.  Longing  desires  to  possess  it:  Wisd.  vi.  21. 

iii.  One  of  our  most  important  occupations  should  be 
the  exercise  of  explicit  acts  of  love. 


*  Unless  a  coal  be  inflamed  and   burning,  it  has  no  beauty  ;  so 
neither  has  the  soul,  except  it  burn  with  love  for  God. — S.  Bernardine. 


I42  SERMON   PLANS 


71.     COMMUNION   UNDER  ONE   KIND. 

"  Whosoever  shall  cat  .  .  .  or  drink."     I  Cor.  xi.  27. 

i.  In  the  Holy  Eucharist,  the  Body  of  Our  Lord  is  not 

separated  from  His  Blood.     But, 
ii.  The  Whole  living  Christ  is  contained  under  each 

species.     Hence, 

Hi.  Whoever  receives  under  one  kind  only  receives  the 
whole  Sacrament. 

Communion  under  one  kind: 

i.  Christ  is  received  in  every  consecrated  particle  the 

world  over. 

One  man  speaking  may  be  heard  by  a  thousand. 
A  broken  mirror  reflects  an  object  in  each  of  its 

pieces. 

The  soul  is  whole  and  entire  in  all  our  members, 
ii.  Hence  the  priest  may  divide  particles  when  necessary, 
iii.  The  same  promises  are  made  to  those  who  eat  only, 
as  to  those  who  eat  and  drink : 

"  If  any  man  eat  of  this  bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever."  Jn.  vi.  52. 
"  He  that  eateth  My  Flesh  and  drinketh  My  Blood  hath  life 
everlasting."    Jn.  vi.  55. 

iv.  S.  Paul  declares  him  that  eats  or  drinks  unworthily 
guilty  of  the  Body  and  the  Blood,  i  Cor.  xi.  27. 

v.  From  the  very  times  of  the  Apostles,  Communion 
was  often  given  under  the  form  of  bread  only :  e.g. 

a.  To  the  faithful,  to  take  to  their  homes  during 

persecution. 
S.  Tharcisius.* 

b.  To  prisoners,  infants  and  the  sick. 

Serapion  ;  and  Queen  Mary.f 

c.  To  anchorets,  to   communicate   themselves   in 

the  desert, 
vi.  Common  in  England  in  the  yth  c. :  general  in  the 

West  in  the  i2th  c. 
o.  Because  of  accidents  and  abuses. 
b.  Because  of  the  difficulty  of  giving  the  Cup  to 

crowds. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  143 

c.  Many  cannot  bear  the  taste  of  wine. 

d.  For  the  sake  of  greater  reverence. 

vii.  Definitely  laid  down  in  the  Council  of  Constance : 
A.D.  1414. 

a.  Against  the  Hussites,  maintaining  the  necessity 

of  the  Cup. 

b.  A  matter  of  discipline  only,  which  may  vary 

as  needed, 
viii.  The  belief  of  the   Faithful    guards   them   against 

thinking  this  a  loss, 
ix.  Practice  agreeable  to  Holy  Scripture : 

a.  As  seen  from  the  words  of  Our  Lord.  (iii.  above). 

b.  The  Eucharist  often  described  as  the  breaking 

of  bread.     Lke.  xxiv.  30,  35  :  Acts  ii.  46. 

c.  Probably  the  opposite   is   often   held   through 

pride  only,  rebelling  against  regulations  made 
by  authority. 

x.  Thus  is  the  Church  justified  in  continuing  her 
present  practice. 

Conclusions : 

i.  The  custom  of  the  Church,  in  preserving  the  Holy 
Eucharist  under  the  form  of  bread,  shows  her 
belief  in  the  permanence  of  the  Real  Presence. 

ii.  Her  whole  practice  ever  in  consonance  with  Scripture. 

iii.  How  unfounded  then  the  objections  against  Com- 
munion under  one  kind. 

iv.  Respect  and  obedience  due  to  the  Church's  wisdom 
in  such  matters. 


*  S.  Tharcisius  was  arrested  by  the  Pagans,  as  he  was  carrying  the 
Bl.  Sacrament  to  his  home,  and  stoned  to  death,  because  he  would  not 
betray  It  to  them. — Life:  Aug.  15. 

t  A  certain  old  man  named  Serapion,  when  at  the  point  of  death, 
despatched  a  youth  for  the  priest,  who,  happening  also  to  be  confined 
to  bed  by  sickness,  sent  to  the  dying  Serapion  a  particle  of  the 
Bl.  Eucharist.  He  directed  the  messenger  to  moisten  It  with  water, 
and  then  put  It  into  the  mouth  of  the  old  man,  who  expired  shortly 
after  receiving  It. — Eusebius.  When  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots,  was 
imprisoned  by  Elizabeth,  and  no  priest  allowed  near  her,  Pope  S. 
Pius  V.  permitted  her  to  administer  Communion  to  herself,  with 
Sacred  Hosts  brought  to  her  by  a  faithful  attendant. 


SERMON  PLANS 


72.     BAD  COMMUNION. 

"  Eatelh  and  drinketh  judgment  to  himself."     I  Cor.  xi.  29. 
i.  From  the  time  of   the  Apostles,  bad  Communions 

have  been  made. 

It  was  even  an  Apostle  that  made  the  first  one. 
ii.  The  Church  to-day  recalls  words  for  our  warning 
and  meditation. 

Bad  Communion : 

i.  Communion  made  with  the  consciousness  of  mortal 

sin  in  the  soul. 

Bringing  Our  Lord  and  the  devil  to  dwell  together ! 
ii.  A  sacrilege  of  the  deepest  dye : 

a.  To  turn  a  church  into  a  stable  would  be  a  crime. 

b.  To  profane  sacred  vessels,  like  Baltazzar,  the 

same. 

c.  What  then  to  receive  Communion  into  the  filth 

of  sin ! 

Like  tying  the  martyrs  to  putrid  corpses ! 
iii.  Usually  caused  by  a  previous  bad  confession. 

Hence    the   Apostle    bids    us    prove    ourselves : 

i  Cor.  xi.  28. 
iv.  As  a  sacrilege, 

a.  It  tends  to  harden  the  heart. 

The  robber's  advice.* 

b.  Often  punished  even  in  this  life : 

Remorse  and    despair,    as  in    Judas:  Mth. 

xxvii.  5. 

Sickness  and  premature  death  :    i  Cor.  xi.  30. 
The  Donatists  and  their  dogs.f 
v.  Does  not  discern  the  body  of  the  Lord :  i.e. 

a.  Does   not   distinguish    between   this   heavenly 

food,  and  our  daily  food. 

b.  Treats  both  as  on  an  equal  footing. 

c.  And    so   eateth    and    drinketh    judgment,   i.e. 

punishment, 
vi.  Better  no  Communion,  therefore,  than  a  bad  one ! 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  145 

Means  to  avoid  bad  Communion : 

i.  Lively  faith,  through  meditation  : 

a.  Realizing  well  what  it  is  we  receive. 

This  divine  mystery  offers  a  wide  field  for 
thought  and  study. 

b.  Leading  us  to  approach  with  all  reverence. 
ii.  A  good  confession : 

a.  As  the  means  of  blotting  out  mortal  sin. 

b.  As  a  means  of    exterminating,  or  weakening, 

evil  inclinations. 

c.  The  channel  of  abundant  grace  to  the  soul. 

The    more   the    soul   is   thus    adorned,   the 

greater  the  fruits  received, 
iii.  Careful  preparation :  a  first  result  of  lively  faith. 

a.  Remote :  in  the  practice  of  a  good  life. 

b.  Proximate :    in   prayer,  acts  of    desire,  actual 

devotion, 
iv.  Worthy  thanksgiving :  a  further  effect  of  lively  faith. 

a.  At  least  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in  prayer. 

b.  The  soul  then  has  three  precious  advantages. 

1.  Her  acts  are  more  fervent  and  efficient. 

2.  She  obtains  more  ready  answers  to  her 

petitions. 

3.  She  is  transformed   into  the  likeness  of 

Jesus  more  efficaciously. 

c.  A  great  help  towards  a  good  Communion  next 

time. 


*  To  a  young  robber,  whose  sense  of  right  had  not  yet  been  stifled, 
the  chieftain  of  the  band  said  :  "Go  and  make  bad  Communions,  and 
you  will  no  longer  fear  ! "  Unfortunately  the  young  robber  followed 
this  advice,  and  indeed  soon  found  how  sacrilege  hardens  the  heart, 
for  he  became  the  most  desperate  of  the  lot. — Cat.  en  Ex. 

t  The  Donatists,  4th  c.  used  to  invade  the  Catholic  churches  and 
throw  the  consecrated  particles  to  their  dogs.  But  one  day  the  Justice 
of  God  overtook  them,  for  the  dogs,  suddenly  becoming  furiously  mad, 
rushed  upon  their  owners  and  almost  devoured  them,  thus  avenging 
the  sacrilege  committed  against  the  BI.  Sacrament. — S.  Optatus. 
K 


I46  SERMON   PLANS 


73.     THE   WORLD'S   HATRED. 

"Wonder  not,  if  the  world  hate  you."     I  Jn.  iii.  13. 

i.  Contraries  hate  one  another : 

Black  is  opposed  to  white ;  activity,  to  sloth, 
ii.  Thus  the  followers  of  the  world  ever  hate  the  children 

of  God. 
As  in  the  very  beginning,  Cain  hated  Abel :  Gen.  iv. 

Grounds  of  this  opposition  : 

i.  The  difference  between  worldlings  and  the  Saints. 
a.  Worldlings  love  honours,  riches  and  pleasure. 
The   Saints   practise   humility,  poverty   and 

self-denial. 
I.  Likeness  and    resemblance  are  the    roots   of 

mutual  love;  while 
Dissimilarity  begets  hate  and  dislike, 
r.  Testimony  of  Holy  Writ : 

"  He  is  grievous  unto  us  ...  for  his  life  is  not  like 

other  men's."     Wisd.  ii.  15. 
"All  that  will   live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall   suffer 

persecution."     2  Tim.  iii.  12. 

d.  In  the  animal  kingdom  similar  feuds  are  found  :e.g. 

Between  wolf  and  lamb ;  hound  and  hare. 

e.  Wonder  not,  then,  if  hatred  exist  between  the 

followers  of  the  world  and  those  of  Christ, 
their  aims  being  so  different, 
ii.  Envy  and  jealousy  : 

a.  Men  swayed  by  passion  cannot  rise  to  the  virtue 

of  the  Saints. 

b.  They  see  the  Saints  in  the   path  to  Heaven, 

while  they  themselves  are  on  the  road  to  Hell. 

c.  This  creates  envy,  and  then  begets  opposition. 

As  the  devil  and  the  damned  envy  and  hate 
the  Blessed  in  Heaven. 

d.  Hence  sinners  hate  those  who  practise  religion, 
iii.  The  world  sees  the  Saints  separate  themselves  from 

its  ways. 

"  He  ahstaincth  from  our  ways,  as  from  filthiness."  Wisd.  ii.  16. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  147 

a.  It  thus  regards  them  as  traitors  and  deserters. 

b.  Our   Lord    Himself    assigns    this   as   a   cause 

of  persecution. 

"  Because  you  are  not  of  the  world  .  .  .  the  world 
hateth  you."  Jn.  xv.  19. 

iv.  The  Saints  are  a  reproach  to  the  ways  of  the  world. 

a.  Vain  reasonings  of  the  wicked  from  the  beginning : 

1 '  He  upbraideth  us  with  transgressions  of  the  law,  and 
divulgeth  against  us  the  sins  of  our  way  of  life." 
Wisd.  ii.  12. 

b.  A  good  life  is  a  silent  condemnation  of  a  bad  one. 

1.  The  Saints  cling  to  God  and  His  Law,  in 

spite  of  all. 

2.  They  suffer  prison,  slander,  etc.  for  justice' 

sake. 

c.  Men  resent  such  rebuke,  however  indirect. 

d.  Hence  their  persecution  of  those  who  give  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  If  we  are  trying  to  serve  God,  we  may  look  for 

hatred  and  opposition. 
ii.  Our  Lord  suffered  such  before  us:  Jn.  xv.  18. 

As   His    disciples,   we    must    expect   the    same : 

Mth.  x.  24. 
iii.  This  hatred  of  the  world  will  help 

a.  To  detach  our  hearts  from  it. 

b.  To  obtain  us  God's  special  love  and  protection.* 

c.  To  secure  us  a  magnificent  reward  hereafter: 

Mth.  v.  20. 
iv.  This  way  of  the  Cross  is  the  safest  road  to  Heaven. f 


*  In  the  lives  of  the  Saints,  are  found  many  instances  of  the 
miraculous  manner  in  which  God  has  extended  His  protection  to  those 
who  serve  Him,  in  spite  of  the  hatred  and  opposition  of  men  :  the 
natural  laws  suspended  in  their  favour  ;  wild  beasts  subdued  at  their 
feet ;  the  whole  of  nature  obedient  to  their  word.  £.£•  :  S.  Martina, 
Jan.  30  ;  S.  Venantius,  May  18  ;  S.  Francis,  Oct.  4  ;  S.  Daria,  Oct.  25. 

t  Walk  where  thou  wilt,  seek  what  thou  wilt,  and  thou  wilt  find 
no  higher  way  above,  no  safer  way  below,  than  the  way  of  the  holy 
Cross. — IiHJt.  2.  xii. 


148  SERMON  PLANS 


74.     HATRED. 
"  Whosoever  hatelh  his  brother  is  a  murderer."     i  Jn.  iii.  15. 

i.  A  chief  object  of  S.  John's  Epistle  is  to  inculcate  the 

need  of  good  works, 
ii.  Love  of  our  neighbour  is  a  necessary  and  meritorious 

good  work, 
iii.  Hence  his  frequent  reference  to  Charity  and  to  the 

avoidance  of  all  that  may  wound  it. 
iv.  To-day  he  speaks  of  hatred,  directly  opposed  to  love. 

Hatred : 

i.  Deep,  permanent   resentment   for   injury  received; 

enmity, 
ii.  Most   sinful,  as  a  breach   of  the   two-fold   law   of 

Charity. 

"Love  your  enemies."     Mth.  v.  44. 

"  He  that  hateth  his  brother  is  in  darkness."     I  Jn.  ii.  n. 
"  If  any  man  say,  I  love  God,  and  hateth  his  brother,  he  is 
a  liar."     I  Jn.  iv.  20. 

iii.  Dislike  is  not  hatred,  but,  if  not  controlled,  may  lead 

to  it. 
iv.  Signs  of : 

a.  Taking  opportunity  to  inflict  injury  in  any  way. 

The  Egyptians  against  Israel:  Ex.  i.  13. 

b.  Grieving  at  an  enemy's  success. 

c.  Rejoicing  in  his  misfortune. 

d.  Refusing  him  the  ordinary  marks  of  civility, 
v.  Guilt  of : 

a.  Varies  with  the  intensity  and  deliberation. 

b.  Oftentimes  a  mortal  sin. 
vi.  Causes  of : 

0.  Ill-feeling  not  suppressed,  but  encouraged. 
b.  Dislikes  not  resisted, 
r.  Jealousy  and  envy. 

Joseph  hated  by  his  brethren  :  Gen.  xxxvii.  4. 


Off  THE  EPISTLES  149 

vii.  Effects  of : 

a.  It  hardens  the  heart,  and  closes  it  to  grace. 

S.  Nicephorus   and  Sapricius :    Saints'  Lives  : 
Feb.  9. 

b.  It  destroys  the  power  of  meriting  : 

"  If  I  should  deliver  my  body  to  be  burned,  and  have  not 
charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing."     i  Cor.  xiii.  3. 

c.  It  destroys  our  own  peace  of  mind : 

Producing  gloom,  restlessness  and  misery. 

d.  It  causes  dissensions  and  quarrels. 

"  Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes."     Prov.  x.  12. 

Whoso  hates  another  is  a  murderer: 

i.  Not  always  in  act  and  deed, 
ii.  But  in  will  and  desire. 

Esau,   hating    Jacob,   thought   to    murder    him : 

Gen.  xxvii.  41. 

Aman,  preparing  a  gibbet  for  Mardochai:  Est.  v.  14. 
iii,  He  murders  his  own  soul  by  his  grievous  sin. 
iv.  Yet  so  terrible  a  sin  is  not  uncommon : 

a.  Not  always  in  its  most  ugly  form. 

b.  But  in  its  lesser  degree,  often. 

v.  Hence  the  need  of  speaking  on  the  subject. 

Lessons : 

i.  Reflect  on  the  grievous  nature  of  this  sin. 

ii.  See  if  it  lurk  not  in  the  soul  in  any  degree. 

As  judged  by  the  signs  given  above, 
iii.  If  so,  resolve  at  once  on  removing  it. 
iv.  Though  difficult  to  cure,  it  can  be  done,  by  aid  of 

a.  Divine  grace,  obtained  through  prayer. 

b.  The  thought  of  God's  mercy  to  us,  in  spite  of 

our  sins. 


150  SERMON  VLANS 


75.     HUMILITY. 

11  Be  you  humbled  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God."     I  I'ct.  v.  6. 
i.  Who,  if  only  he  reflected,  would  not  humble  himself 
before  God  ? 

a.  Who  holds  the  universe  in  His  palm : 

b.  Whose  hand  is  mighty  to  destroy : 

c.  Who    hurled    forth    the    proud    angels    from 

Heaven. 

ii.  Consider  the  virtue  of    humility,  so  becoming  the 
creature. 

Humility : 
i.  Virtue  by  which,  through  true  self-knowledge,  man 

appears  vile  in  his  own  eyes :  S.  Lawr.  Just. 
ii.  Does  not  consist 

a.  In   speaking  ill  of    ourselves,  which  is   often 

pride  in  disguise. 

b.  In  merely  acknowledging  to  God  we  are  sinners. 

But, 
iii.  Consists  essentially 

a.  In  acknowledging  ourselves  to  be  really  what 

we  are. 

b.  In  esteeming  ourselves  accordingly,  and  wishing 

others  so  to  esteem  us. 

c.  In  true  and  sincere  contempt  of  ourselves. 

d.  In  referring  to  God  any  good  we  may  have,  or 

do.     i  Cor.  iv.  7. 

iv.  Foundation  of  all  virtue  and  essential  to  salvation. 
Humility  and  the  Flower.* 

"There  are  many  virgins  in  Hell,   but  no  humble  souls." 
O.L.  to  5.  Mary  Pa-.i. 

v.  Its  happy  effects: 

a.  Confidence  in  God  only. 

b.  Compunction  for  sin  which  displeases  Him. 

c.  Meekness  and  gentleness  of  manner. 

d.  Charity  and  sympathy  with  all. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  151 

vi.  Shown  by 

a.  Ready   obedience   to    Superiors,    as   to    God : 

Lke.  x.  1 6. 

b.  Yielding  to  the  opinion  of  others. 

c.  Modesty  in  tone  and  expression. 

d.  Readiness  to  seek  counsel  and  help. 

e.  Absence  of  ambition,  and  anxiety  about  results. 
/.  Willingness  to  oblige. 

g.  Peace  of  mind  amid  insult  and  misfortune, 
vii.  Examples : 

Joseph,  referring  interpretation  to  God.  Gen.  xl.  8. 

Moses,  sent  to  deliver  Israel:  Ex.  iii.  u. 

Our  Lord,  King  of  Heaven  and  earth. 

The  Bl.  Virgin :  Lke.  i.  48. 

The  Publican,  in  the  Temple :  Lke.  xviii. 
viii.  Advantages  and  need  of : 

a.  Our  Lord  declares   it  necessary  to  salvation- 

Mth.  xviii.  3. 

b.  He  bids  us  learn  it  from  Him :  Mth.  xi.  29. 

c.  The  humble 

1.  Receive  grace  from  God  :   i  Pet.  v.  5. 

2.  Have    great    power    with   Him :    Ecclus. 

xxxv.  21. 

d.  Humility  will  guard  us  against  despair. 

Lessons : 
i.  Strive   after   this    virtue,   so    pleasing   to   God,   so 

necessary  to  all. 
ii.  Take  means  to  obtain  it :  e.g. 

a.  Imitation  of  Our  Lord  and  His  Saints. 

b.  Love  of  humiliations. 

c.  Consideration  of  our  own  nothingness  and  sin. 
d>  Prayer  to  God  to  grant  it. 

iii.  The     humble     shall    be    exalted    in    due    season. 
Lke.  xviii.  14. 

*  The  flower  depends  on  its  root,  and  if  cut  off  from  it  withers 
and  dies.  So  virtue  of  whatever  kind,  unless  rooted  in  humility,  soon 
fails  and  disappears. — Rodriguez, 


152  SERMON  PLANS 


76.     PROVIDENCE. 
"  He  hath  care  of  you."     l  Pet.  v.  7. 

i.  Prudent  forethought  is  by  no  means  forbidden ;  but, 
ii.  When  you  have  done  your  best,  leave  the  result  to 

God.     For, 
iii.  There  exists  in  God  a  two-fold  Providence:  viz. 

Attention  and  will  to  preserve  the  physical  and  moral 

order  established  by  Him. 
iv.  It  includes  infinite  Wisdom,  Goodness,  Power. 

I.  Providence  in  the  Physical  Order; 
i.  Scripture  tells  of  it : 

"  Who  givcth  the  leasts  their  food."  Ps.  cxlvi.  9. 
"  Say  not,  there  is  no  Providence."  Kccles.  v.  5. 
"Thy  Providence,  O  Father,  governeth  it."  Wisd.  xiv.  3. 

ii.  All  nations  recognize  it,  even  the  Pagans :  e.g. 

Every  portion  of  the  universe  was  dedicated  to 

some  deity, 
iii.  The  constant  succession  of  the  same  phenomena: 

a.  This  requires  a  constant  cause,  law :  therefore 

a  law-giver. 

b.  Yet  He  who  established  law  can  modify  it. 

Thus  nations  have  ever  prayed  to  Him  in 

famine,  etc. 
iv.  Manifests  itself : 

fl.  In  bestowing  on  creatures  all  things  necessary 

for  their  good  :  e.g. 
The   clothing   of   animals,  according   to   the 

climates  they  inhabit. 
Migrations  of  birds  and  fishes. 
Forms  of  flowers  adapted  to  reflect  the  heat 

to  the  seed. 
b.  In  protecting  creatures  against  evil :  e.g. 

History  of  the  three  children,  and  of  Daniel : 

Dan.  iii.  vi. 
Every  animal  has  arms  of  self-defence.* 


Otf  THE  EPISTLES  153 

II.  Providence  in  the  Moral  Order: 

i.  Scripture  testimony : 

a.  The  psalmist  bids  us  trust  in  God :  Ps.  liv.  23. 

b.  The  Apostle  to-day,  in  like  manner. 

"  Casting  all  your  care  upon  Him." 

c.  Our    Lord    represents    Himself    as    the    Good 

Shepherd:  Jn.  x.  n. 

d.  He  taught  us  to  call  God  our  Father:    Mth. 

vi.  9. 

e.  He  tells  us  to  ask  for  what  we  need:    Mth. 

vii.  7. 
ii.  All  nations  have  ever  felt 

a.  That  man  lives  under  the  government  of  God. 

b.  That  God  is  offended  by  sin  and  pleased  with 

virtue, 
iii.  Providence  in  the  physical  order  implies  the  same 

in  the  moral. 
If  God  provides  for  the  lower  creation,  how  much 

more  for  man  :  Mth.  vi.  30. 

iv.  Shows  itself  in  the  many  helps  given  to  men,  whereby 
to  observe  the  Law  and  attain  salvation. 

Lessons : 

i.  Meditate  on  the  Providence  of  God,  working  out 

your  whole  welfare. 

ii.  Do  your  best  in  all  things,  then  trust  the  rest  to  God. 
iii.  Be  resigned  to  the  Divine  Will : 

a.  In  sorrow  of  mind  and  soul. 

b.  In  sufferings  of  body. 

c.  In  all  the  evils  of  life. 

Knowing  well  God  watcheth  over  you. 
iv.  Thank  God  for  all  that  befalls  you,  like  holy  Job : 
i.  21. 

*  The  Bee  has  its  sting — The  Cuttlefish,  common  along  our  coasts, 
is  able  to  emit  a  blackish  substance  like  ink,  which  darkens  the  water, 
and  so  enables  it  to  escape  pursuit — The  Electrical  Fish,  in  the  Bay 
of  Biscay,  can  give  shocks  that  have  sufficient  power  to  stun,  or  even  to 
kill  other  fish  that  may  attack  it. 


SERMOX  PLANS 


77.     SS.  PETER   AND   PAUL. 

i.  Feast  of  the  two  great  pillars  of  the  Church,  SS.  Peter 

and  Paul, 
ii.  Appropriate  occasion  to  consider  some  points  and 

lessons  of  their  lives. 

I.  S.  Peter  :  "  Prince  of  the  Apostles." 
i.  First  Vicar  of  Christ  in  the  Church. 

Bishop  of  Antioch  7  years,  then  of  Rome  for  25. 
ii.  Three  chief  points  in  his  career. 

a.  His  Fall:  Mth.  xxvi. 

1.  At  the  voice  of  a  servant,  three-fold  denial 

of  our  Lord. 

2.  As  we  perhaps  fall,  through 

a.  Human  respect;  or, 

ft.  Fear  of  difficulties  that  do  not  exist. 

3.  Caused  by 

a.  His  neglect  of  prayer,  sleeping  instead. 
ft.  His    self-confidence,  remaining    in   the 

danger, 
y.  Seeking     human     comfort,    "  warming 

himself." 

b.  His  conversion :  Lke.  xxii. 

1.  Our  Lord  looked  on  him  with  love. 

How  often  does  He  do  so  with  us ! 

2.  S.  Peter  then   remembered  the  warning  he 

had  received. 

a.  Had  he  always  done  so,  he  had  not  fallen. 
(3.  We  need  to  remember  God's  word  in 

meditation. 

3.  He  went  forth  : 

a.  Away  from  the  danger ;  while, 

ft.  We  often  hesitate  to  give  up  occasions 

of  sin. 
Yet    violence    is    necessary   to    gain 

Heaven:  Mth.  xi.  12. 


Oti   THE  EPISTLES  155 

4.  He  wept  bitterly : 

a.  Through  sincerity  and  depth  of  love. 
/?.  At  having  offended  so  loving  a  Master, 
y.  All  through  his  life,  according  to  tradition. 
8.  Happy  we,  if  our  tears  be  as  his. 
c.  His  appointment  as  Head  of  the  Church :  Mth.  xvi. 
iii.  Writer  of  two  canonical  Epistles, 
iv.  Persecution,  and  crucifixion  under  Nero,  A.D.  67. 
Head  downwards,  out  of  a  spirit  of  humility. 

II.  S.  Paul :  "  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles." 
i.  Incidents  of  his  career :  Acts  ix. 

a.  A  blasphemer,  and  persecutor  of  the  Church : 

i  Tim.  i.  13. 

b.  His  miraculous  conversion,  now  "a  vessel  of 

election." 

c.  His  wanderings  and  sufferings :  2  Cor.  xi. 

d.  Burning  zeal  for  souls  during  26  years, 
ii.  The  writer  of  many  Epistles : 

Of  which  we  often  hear  on  Sundays, 
iii.  As  a  Roman  citizen,  beheaded,  A.D.  67. 
The  three  fountains.* 

Lessons ; 

i.  Prayer  to-day  for  the  Pope  and  the  Church. 

ii.  Fidelity  to  the  Faith  of  Peter, 
iii.  Defence  of  the  rights  of  the  Holy  See. 
iv.  These  two  Saints,  examples  of 

a.  Zeal  for  souls. 

b.  Courage  and  fortitude  in  trial. 

c.  Humble  and  sincere  repentance. 


*  S.  Paul  was  martyred  about  a  mile  beyond  the  magnificent  basilica 
of  S.  Paul's  outside  the  walls.  His  head  bounded  three  times  after  his 
decapitation,  and  from  the  spots  where  it  touched  the  earth  there  burst 
forth  fountains  of  water  which  still  exist,  an  altar  now  standing  over 
each. 


I56  SERMOM 


78.     DEVOTION   TO   THE   HOLY  SEE. 

"  Prayer  was  made  without  ceasing  .  .  .  for  him."     Acts  xii.  5. 

i.  These  words  show  the  love  of  the  early  Christians 

for  the  Vicar  of  Christ. 

ii.  This  love   and   devotion  ever  the  mark  of  a  good 
Catholic.     Consider 

Some  reasons  for  this  devotion : 

i.  Peter  is  supreme  Head  of  the  Church  : 

a.  The  Faith  is  now  everywhere  attacked,  and  we 

need  his  help. 

b.  The  special  office  of  S.  Peter  is  to  strengthen 

our  Faith. 

c.  Devotion  to  him  will  inspire  love  for  the  Faith, 
ii.  Peter  represents  the  principle  of  Authority : 

a.  The  sin  of  the  age  is  pride  and  rebellion. 

In    individuals     and     homes,    then     against 
Church  and  State. 

b.  The   religious   condition  of  England  like  that 

of  Babel. 
No  one  admits  any  authority  outside  himself. 

c.  This  spirit  often  found  among  Catholics  too. 

In  criticisms,  disrespect,  disobedience,  etc. 

d.  Devotion    to    S.  Peter    inspires    docility,    and 

reverence  for  authority, 
iii.  Peter  is  the  father  of  the  Sacerdotal  Order : 

a.  The  unity  of  the  priesthood  takes  its  rise  from 

him. 

All  engaged  in  the  pastoral  office  work  under 
him. 

b.  He  needs  labourers  animated  with  his  spirit. 

1.  The  harvest  is  great  and  ready  :  Mth.ix.37. 

2.  Prayer  necessary  for  obtaining  labourers. 

3.  Devotion  to  S.  Peter  will    help    to   gain 

vocations. 

c.  Priests  themselves  need  a  patron  and  model. 

Both  these  they  have  in  S.  Peter,  the  father 

of  their  Order. 

iv.  Knowledge  and    love  of   Peter  can   alone  restore 
England  to  the  Faith. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  157 

a.  Apostasy  from  Peter,  the  great  sin  of  the  i6th  c. 

b.  Thousands  of  our  countrymen  are  now  out  of 

the  Church,  through  ignorance  of  Peter's 
claims. 

c.  Anglicans     hold    the    teaching    of    the     early 

centuries  to  be  pure.     Hence, 
The  teaching  of  those  ages  should  to  them  be 
conclusive.* 

d.  To  spread  the  love  of  Peter  will  be  to  help  on 

England's  conversion. 

Cultivate  therefore  and  extend  this  devotion, 
v.  The  Pope   governs  the  whole  Church,  and   is  the 
channel  of  graces  to  all. 

a.  He  can  therefore  claim  our  help  in  his  temporal 

wants. 

b.  For    centuries,   he     owned    temporal     means, 

provided  by  the  Faithful. 

c.  In  recent  years,  the  Revolution  has  despoiled 

him  of  these. 

d.  Hence  the  re-establishment  of  Peter's  Pence, 

or  Rome  Scot. 

1.  First  introduced  by  the  Anglo-Saxons  in 

the  8th  c. 

2.  Less  than  ^"300,000  a  year  suffices  for  the 

government  of  the  Church. 

3.  Nearly  ^"500,000  a  year  required  by  the 

English  Government,  for   printing   and 
stationery  alone ! 

e.  The  Pope  has  a  claim,  in  gratitude  and  justice, 

on  our  temporal  help :   i  Cor.  ix.  7 — n. 

Lessons : 

i.  Prayer  to  S.  Peter  for  firmness  in  the  Faith, 
ii.  The  devotion  of  Petertide — June  29  to  Aug.  i. 
iii.  Love,  reverence  and  obedience  to  the  Pope,  as  to 

Peter. 

iv.  Almsdeeds,  in  the  form  of  Peter  Pence, 
v.  Prayer  for  the  return  of  England  to  Peter's  Fold. 


*  Take  as  an  example  the  words  of  S.  Cyprian,  A.D.  248  :  "There 
is  but  one  baptism  and  one  Holy  Ghost,  and  one  Church  founded  by 
Christ  on  Peter,  as  the  source  and  principle  of  unity." 

Also  these  of  S.Ambrose,  A.D.  385:  "They  have  not  Peter's 
inheritance,  who  have  not  Peter's  Chair," 


I58  SERMON  PLANS 


79.     THE   TRIALS   OF    LIFE. 

"The  sufferings  of  this  lime  are  not  worthy  to  l>e  compared  with   the 
glory  to  come."     Kom.  viii.  iS. 

i.  Suffering  in  some  form  or  other  the  lot  of  all  men. 
ii.  Too  often  borne  in  impatience  and  rebellion  against 

God. 
iii.  A  few  thoughts  may  help  us  to  Christian  resignation. 

The  sufferings  of  life : 
i.  Are  of  many  kinds  : 

a.  In  the  body :  sickness,  accidents,  poverty. 

b.  In  the  mind :  anxiety,  fear,  ill-will  of  men. 

f.  In  the  soul :  temptation,  desolation,  scruples, 
ii.  In  themselves,  they  cannot  compare  with  the  glory 

to  be  revealed. 
How  can  the  temporal  weigh  with  the  eternal ! 

Yet, 

iii.  Vivified   by  charity,  and  borne   for  God,  they  are 
worthy  of  it.     For, 

a.  They  thus  become  works  of  grace. 

b.  Grace  here  is  the  seed  of  glory  hereafter, 
iv.  A  small  seed  can  produce  large  results : 

As  an  acorn,  the  oak.     So, 
v.  Sufferings  and  trifles  done  for  God  may  merit  eternal 

reward. 

The  piece  of  gold.* 
vi.  Hence  the  Saints,  with  this  thought  in  view,  have 

prayed  for  trials. 
"  To  suffer,  or  to  die."     S.  Teresa. 

Means  to  lighten  our  sufferings: 
i.  Prayer  for  strength. 

"Call  upon  Me  in  the  day  of  trouble:  I  will  deliver  tliee." 

Ps.  xlix.  15. 

"He  shall  cry  to  Me,  and  I  will  hear  him."     Ps.  xr.  15. 
"They   cried   to   the    Ix>rd  .  .   .  and    He  delivered    them,'' 

Ps.  cvi.  13. 
"  Ask  and  it  shall  be  given  you."     Mth.  vii.  7. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  159 

ii.  The  Holy  Eucharist : 

"  Thou  hast  prepared   a  table  before  me  against   them  that 
afflict  me."     Ps.  xxii.  5. 

a.  The  food  that  strengthens  the  soul  in  every- 

thing. 

b.  Wherein  the  Martyrs  found  their  courage. 

c.  Where  we  too  must  seek  support. 

d.  To  be  often  received,  therefore,  if  only  worthily, 
iii.  Foresee  and  prepare  for  your  crosses. 

Our  Lord  forewarned  His  Apostles.     Jn.  xvi.  4. 
iv.  Consider  the  Providence  of  God : 

a.  Who  ordains  all  for  the  best. 

b.  Who  watches  over  all  His  creatures. 

c.  Who  will  not  suffer  us  to  be  tried  beyond  our 

strength:  i  Cor.  x.  13. 
v.  Consideration  of  past  sin  : 

a.  Mortal  sin  deserves  eternal  punishment. 

b.  When  forgiven,  it  still  deserves  chastisement. 

c.  Even  venial  sin  demands  reparation  to  God. 

d.  Nothing  so  effectual  for  this,  as  trials  borne  for 

Him. 
vi.  Think  of  the  future  reward : 

a.  Anything   done   for   God's   sake    merits   glory 

hereafter. 
The  cup  of  cold  water.     Mth.  x.  42. 

b.  How   much    more,   painful    crosses    borne   in 

resignation. 

c.  This  thought  has  given  courage  to  the  Martyrs 

and  Saints. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Use  these  helps  amid  "  the  sufferings  of  this  time." 
ii.  They  will   lighten  your   burden,  and   inspire  fresh 
courage  through  life. 

*  A  small  piece  of  gold  may  be  worth  a  large  object,  such  as 
a  box  or  a  book,  both  by  its  own  intrinsic  value,  and  by  the  common 
estimation  of  men.  So  a  work,  though  small  in  itself,  but  done  for 
God,  may  merit  an  eternal  reward,  both  through  its  own  dignity  and 
worth,  and  in  consequence  of  the  promises  of  God, — A  Lapide, 


i6o  SERMON  PLANS 


80.     OUR  HOME  IN   GOD. 

"  The  creature  waiteth  for  the  revelation  of  the  sons  of  God." 
Rom.  viii.  19. 

i.  Man  is  made  for  happiness. 

a.  He  is  always  seeking  it. 

b.  Sometimes  where  it  is  not :  e.g.  in  sin.     Yet, 
r.  Happiness  is  the  end  he  aims  at. 

ii.  Consider  the  true  happiness  to  be  revealed  to  us — 
Heaven. 

Description  of  our  future  Home : 

i.  The  Majesty  of  God,  Three  in  One,  outlying  beyond 

all  space. 

Infinite  in  beauty,  and  power,  and  love, 
ii.  The  Sacred  Humanity  of  Our  Lord,  now  glorified 

for  ever. 

iii.  The  Bl.  Virgin,  the  Martyrs,  the  Saints, 
iv.  The  riches  and  splendour  of  the  Heavenly  Jerusalem : 

Apoc.  xxi. 
v.  Land  of  happiness  and  joy,  of  peace  and  plenty. 

a.  Broad :  containing  all  possible  delights,  for 

1.  Body:  life,  health,  youth,  and  beauty. 

2.  Soul :  to  see,  love  and  enjoy  God  for  ever. 

b.  Long :  its  goods  and  joys  eternal,  unending. 

c.  High  :  noble  and  exalted  above  all  conception  : 

i  Cor.  ii.  9. 

d.  Deep :  happiness  unmixed  with  the  least  evil, 
vi.  Joy  the  same  for  all,  though  varying  in  degree. 

Yet  all  are  happy  and  content,  amid  the  inequality. 
vii.  Three  classes  named  for  special  crowns,  (aureola) : 

a.  Doctors  of  the  Church,  for  resisting  the  Devil  : 

Dan.  xii.  3. 

b.  Martyrs,  for  overcoming  the  World. 

c.  Virgins,  for  subduing  the  Flesh. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  161 

Our  life  in  that  Home: 

i.  To  see  God : 

a.  In  Himself,  and  all  His  divine  perfections. 

b.  His  mercies  and  love  to  man. 

c.  With  faculties  of  soul  and  body,  illumined  by 

the  Light  of  Glory, 
ii.  To  love  God : 

a.  With  intense   energy  and   devotion,  as   being 

created  for  Him. 

b.  Praise,  blessing  and  thanksgiving.     And, 

c.  In  and  for  Him,  all  things  as  He  loves  them, 
iii.  To  enjoy  God : 

a.  In  knowledge  and  love,  the  Blessed  possess  God. 

b.  In  this  possession,  they  enjoy  Him. 

c.  Joy  that  would  break  the  hearts  of  all  men,  as 

a  drop  only  to  our  joy  in  God  ! 
iv.  All  for  ever  and  without  end. 

a.  Without  fear  of  loss  or  diminution. 

b.  Its  very  security  constituting  one  of  its  joys. 

c.  An  eternity  of  good,  for  a  moment  of  trial ! 
v.  Examples : 

S.  Paul  could  not  recount  the  beauty  of  Heaven  : 

i  Cor.  ii.  9. 

S.  Adrian,  converted  by  the  thought  of  it :  Spt.  8. 
S.Stephen  strengthened  by  sight  of  it:  Acts  vii.  55. 
Conclusions : 

i.  Are  our  present  tastes  fitting  us  for  this  Home  ? 
ii.  Is  our  present  life  preparing  us  for  it  ? 

This  should  be  our  one  thought  and  care, 
iii.  The  thought  of  this  revelation  to  be  made  to  us  is 

a.  A  great  incentive  to  virtue. 

b.  A  preservative  against  sin. 

c.  A  source  of  filial  fear  and  love. 

d.  A  source  of  strength  and  courage  in  trial. 

iv.  Acts  of  trust  and  desire  of  Heaven,  and  of  longing 
for  God ! 
L 


162  SERMON  PLANS 


81.     CHRISTIAN    UNITY. 
"  Be  ye  all  of  one  mind."     I   Pet.  iii.  8. 
i.  A  father  desires  perfect  union  among  his  children, 
ii.  Men  constitute  one  large  family,  with  God  as  their 

Father, 
iii.  Unity  and  brotherly  love  most   befit  creatures   in 

their  mutual  intercourse. 
To  be  shown  in  two  ways  chiefly,  viz. : 

I.  Watchfulness  over  the  Tongue: 
i.  Constant  restraint  of  it,  an  effect  and  a  sign  of  the 

control  of  the  passions. 

ii.  It  is  not  only  perfection,  but  the  summit  of  perfection. 
"  Who  is  there   that   hath  not  offended  with  his  tongue  ? " 

Ecclus.  xix.  17. 
"  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a  perfect  man.1' 

Jas.  iii.  2. 
iii.  A  difficult  undertaking : 

a.  Loquacity  not  the  least  of  the  faults  of  fallen 

nature. 

1.  Whatever   the    mind    conceives    we    long 

to  speak. 

2.  This  inborn  propensity  hard  to  resist.  For, 

"  Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart,  the  mouth 
speaketh."     Mth.  xii.  34. 

b.  It  is  difficult  to  control  the  imagination.     And, 

Language   is  the   fruit   of   thought,  and   an 

index  of  the  heart. 
A  saying  of  Socrates.* 

c.  Watchfulness   has  so   many  circumstances  to 

consider  (time,  place,  etc.). 
A  work  beyond  the  powers  of  unaided  nature. 

d.  Man    is   prone   to   praise   himself    and   blame 

others.     Yet, 
iv.  Who  can  enumerate  the  evils  of  neglect  of  this  ?  E.g. 

a.  Misunderstandings,  so  hard  to  repair. 

b.  Bickerings  and  heart-burnings. 

c .  Damage  to  reputation  and  good  name. 

d.  Injury  to  temporal  prospects. 

e.  Reparation  so  necessary,  yet  so  difficult. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  163 

v.  Thus,  to  refrain  one's  tongue  is  essential  to  peace 
and  harmony. 

II.  Taking  opportunity  of  helping  others: 

i.  The   members   of    the   human   body   mutually   aid 

each  other. 

The  eyes  guide  the  feet. 
The  hand  feeds  the  stomach.     Now, 
ii.  We  are  all  members  of  one  large  body,  or  family. 

Hence, 
iii.  We  must  endeavour  to  aid  and  help  one  another :  e.g. 

a.  By  the  various  works  of  charity  and  love. 

b.  By  sympathy  with  others  in  their  trials. 

c.  By  kindness  of  word  and  act. 

d.  We  must  seek  after  peace  with  all  men. 

The  divine  gift  of  Christ  to  the  earth :  Lke.  ii.  14. 
iv.  True  fraternal  charity  requires 

a.  Intelligence,  that  we  may  see 

1.  The    grounds    on   which   we    must    base 

our  love. 

2.  The  manner  of  showing  it,  to  be  pleasing 

to  God. 

b.  Devotedness,  a  readiness  to  make  sacrifices  for 

others. 
In  time,  means  and  personal  service. 

c.  Restraint  of  the  Tongue  (above). 

d.  Supernatural  Motive,  to  make  it  truly  effective 

and  meritorious. 
The  Philanthropy  of  the  day,  loving  merely 

the  body,  is  not  Christian  charity. 

v.  Such  charity  will  greatly  tend  to  Christian   Unity 
among  brethren. 

Lessons : 

i.  Examine  yourselves  as  to  the  use  of  the  tongue,  and 
the  law  of  charity. 

a.  Reparation  for  the  faults  of  the  past. 

b.  Resolution  as  to  the  future,  on  these  points. 

ii.  How  good  and  pleasant  for  brethren  to  dwell  together 
in  unity!     Ps.  cxxxii.  i. 

*  Socrates  used  to  say :  "  Speak,  that  I  may  see  what  you  are," 
implying  that,  by  a  man's  language,  he  could  judge  the  character  of 
his  mind  and  heart.  —A  Lapide. 


164  SERMON  PLANS 


82.     THE   PRESENCE  OF  GOD. 

"The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  just  .  .  .  and  upon  them  that 
do  evil."     I   Pet.  iii.  12. 

i.  Among  the  practices  of  perfection,  the  Saints 
strongly  commend  the  presence  of  God. 

ii.  God  abides  in  all  things  and  everywhere,  by  His 
presence  and  power. 

iii.  It  is  well  to  recall  this  truth,  for  it  is 

I.  A  check  on  the  Passions. 

i.  Even  the  pagans  recognized  that  a  witness  to  our 

daily  lives  would  prevent  many  sins.* 
ii.  How  much  more  the  thought  of  God's  Presence. 
No  subject  would  dare  to  rebel,  under  the  very 

eyes  of  his  sovereign  ! 
iii.  God  knows  and  sees  all  things,  even  our  very  thoughts. 

a.  Who  will  sin,  remembering  the  eyes  of  God 

are  upon  him  ? 
Susanna  and  the  Elders :  Dan.  xiii.  23. 

b.  Who  will  sin,  knowing  God  can  see  and  cast 

him  into  hell  ? 

c.  Who  will  sin,  knowing  this  God  will  be  his 

judge  ? 

d.  In  solitude  and  darkness,  God  is  ever  present 

with  us. 
iv.  This  thought  of  God's  presence  truly  a  check  on 

the  passions. 
v.  How  many  lost  souls  would  have  been  saved,  had 

they  realized  this  truth. 
Let  us  learn  by  their  experience  ! 

II.  A  spur  to  Virtue. 

i.  Scripture  instructs  us  that  this  practice   leads  to 
perfection. 

"Walk  before  Me  and  be  perfect."    Gen.  xvii.  I. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  165 

ii.  It  tells  of  great  servants  of  God  adopting  it.     E.g. 
Noah  walked  with  God  and  was  perfect :  Gen.  vi.  9, 
Abraham  (as  above) :  Gen.  xvii.  i. 
Isaac  walked  in  God's  sight :  Gen.  xlviii.  15. 
Ezechias  walked  before  God :  Is.  xxxviii.  3. 
David  set  the  Law  of  God  ever  before  his  eyes : 

Ps.  xv.  8;  xxiv.  15. 
iii.  Progress  in  virtue,  a  natural  result  of  such  practice. 

Comparisons.! 

iv.  Saints  and  Holy  Writers  have  extolled  it :  e.g. 
S.  John  Chrysostom :  Jan.  27. 
S.  Basil :  June  14. 
S.Teresa:  Oct.  15. 

v.  Take  it  up,  then,  as  a  great  aid  to  perfection. 
Means  of  practising1  it : 
i.  By  aid  of  the  imagination,  representing  God  as 

a.  The  Babe  of  Bethlehem. 

b.  The  Child  at  Nazareth. 

c.  The  Missionary  in  Palestine. 

d.  The  Victim  on  Calvary ;  or, 

e.  The  Prisoner  in  the  Tabernacle. 

Each  one,  as   his  fancy  and   devotion  may 

suggest  to  him. 
ii.  By  acts  of  faith  in  God's  presence,  and  ejaculatory 

prayers. 

Knowing  we  are  plunged  in  it,  as  a  bird  in  the  air. 
iii.  By   seeing   God    in    His   creatures    (stars,   flowers, 

events  of  life). 

iv.  By  sanctification  of  our  daily  actions,  doing  them 
for  God. 

*  Seneca  advised  his  friend  Lucillus  to  keep  before  his  mind  some 
virtuous  man  and  to  imagine  this  person  continually  looking  at  him, 
saying  that  by  means  of  this  imaginary  witness  of  his  actions  he  would 
avoid  many  of  his  sinful  doings. 

t  Everything  is  by  so  much  the  more  perfect  as  it  approaches  nearer 
to  the  source  of  its  being  ;  that  water  is  clearest  which  is  drawn  at  the 
fountain-head  ;  that  heat  is  the  most  intense  which  is  nearest  the  fire. 
So  the  closer  our  union  with  God,  the  more  do  we  advance  in 
perfection.  — Scaramelli. 


166  SERMON  PLANS 


83.     EFFECTS   OF   BAPTISM. 

The  reference  to  Baptism  in  to-day's  Epistle  suggests 
the  thought  of  speaking  on  the  effects  of  this  Sacrament. 

Baptism : 

i.  Cleanses  the  soul  from  sin  : 

a.  Giving  us  the  robe  of  sanctifying  grace. 

b.  Making  us  friends  of  God,  for  the  first  time. 

c .  Yet  not  removing  the  consequences  of  sin : 

1.  Temptations  and   trials  of   many   kinds; 

which  are 

2.  Helps  to  humility,  and  occasions  of  merit, 
ii.  Makes  us  Christians : 

"  Your  bodies  are  the  members  of  Christ."     I  Cor.  vi.  15. 

a.  Uniting  us  to  our  Lord,  as  members  to  the 

head. 

"  I  am  the  vine,  you  the  branches."    Jn.  xv.  5. 

b.  Happy  union,  tending  to  give  merit  to  all  we  do. 

c.  This  is  the  Sacramental  Character  conferred 

by  Baptism ; 

1.  Which  remains  in  the  soul  for  eternity. 

2.  Hence  this  Sacrament  may  not  be  repeated. 

Conditional    Baptism   is    not    a    second 

Baptism, 
iii.  Makes  us  children  of  God  : 

a.  Christ   is    Son  of    God    by  nature,   from  all 

eternity. 

b.  We  are  sons  of  God  by  adoption,  in  Baptism. 

"You  have  received  the  spirit  of  adoption  of  sons."    Rom.  viii.  15. 

c.  The  gates  of  His  kingdom  are  thrown  open  to  us. 

As    the     Heavens    opened    at    Our    Lord's 
Baptism  :  Mth.  iii.  16. 

d.  Happy  privilege  which  enables  us  to  call  God 

our  Father ! 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  167 

iv.  Makes  us  members  of  the  Church  :  Acts  ii.  41. 

a.  Hence  called  the  "  Gate  of  the  Church." 

b.  Giving  right  and  title  to  the  other  Sacraments. 

c.  Yet,  of  itself,  it  will  not  save  all. 

Adults  must  fulfil  its  obligations, 
v.  Remits  also  actual  sins  :  Rom.  vi.  4. 

a.  Our  own  personal  offences,  great  and  small. 

1.  Presupposing  sorrow  for  them. 

2.  Typified    by   the   cleansing   of    Naaman : 

4  Kgs.v.  14. 
b.  Along  with  all  punishment  due  to  them. 

Hence  no  Satisfaction  imposed,  as  in  Penance, 
vi.  Imposes  on  adults  the  obligation  of  renouncing 

a.  The  Devil : 

1.  Author  of  evil,  and  murderer  of  souls. 

2.  Who  strives  to  undo  the  work  of  Baptism. 

b.  His  Works: 

1.  Sin  of  any  and  every  kind. 

2.  His  work  is  to  lead  souls  from  God. 

c.  His  Pomps  :   i  Jn.  ii.  16. 

1.  Concupiscence    of     the     flesh — self-indul- 

gence. 

2.  Concupiscence  of  the  eyes — love  of  wealth. 

3.  Pride  of  life — ambition  of  place  and  power. 
These  the  Baptismal  promises,  made  by  our  sponsors 

in  our  name. 

Lessons : 

i.  Behold,   and   forget   not,   all   you   owe   to   God   in 

Baptism.* 
ii.  Gratitude  to  Him,  for  putting  it  within  the  reach  of 

all. 
iii.  Allow   no    unnecessary   delay   in    procuring   it   for 

children. 

iv.  Know  how  to  give  it,  in  case  of  necessity, 
v.  Meditate  on  and  renew  your  Baptismal  Vows. 


*  S.  Francis  of  Sales  used  to  gather  his  young  companions  around 
the  font,  where  they  had  been  baptized,  and  remind  them  of  all  they 
had  there  received.  After  saying  together  the  "  Glory  be  to  the 
Father,"  they  kissed  the  font  with  reverence,  and  then  dispersed  for 
their  games. — His  Life:  Jan.  29. 


168  SEtfAfON  PLANS 


84.     THE   RESURRECTION    OF   THE   BODY. 

"  We  believe  that  we  shall  live  together  with  Christ."     Rom.  vi.  8. 

i.  A  glorious  immortality,  the  reward  of  a  good  life 

upon  earth, 

ii.  Take  occasion  to  speak  of  the   Resurrection — the 

gate  to  that  happy  life. 

Resurrection  of  the  Body : 

i.  A  truth  known  under  the  Old  Law : 

a.  The  patriarchs  believed  it :  Job  xix.  26. 

b.  The  prophets   predicted  it :    Ezech.  xxxvii.  6 : 

Dan.  xii.  2. 

c.  The  pagans  also  knew  it. 
ii.  In  the  New  Law: 

a.  Christ  confirmed  this  belief :  Jn.  v.  29 :  vi.  55. 

b.  The    Apostles    preached    it :     Acts    xvii.    32 : 

i  Cor.  xv. 

c.  The  Church  teaches  it — eleventh  article  of  the 

Creed, 
iii.  At  the  end  of  time,  for  the  General  Judgment. 

The  same  Bodies: 

i.  Physically   identical :    not   a    new   creation,   but   a 

restitution. 

ii.  With  all  their  limbs,  no  matter  where  left  on  earth, 
iii.  In  the  proportions  of  manhood,  like  Our  Lord  in 

His  resurrection, 
iv.  With  all  their  senses,  except  perhaps  the  sense  of 

taste. 

v.  Without  the  defects  of  this  life,  e.g.  blindness. 
vi.  The  Martyrs  with  their  scars,  for  their  greater  glory. 

Like  Our  Lord  with  His  five  wounds. 
vii.  In  resplendent  glory,  or  hideous  deformity. 

Pledges  of  the  Resurrection : 

i.  The  Old  Testament  gives  three  cases  of  restoration 
to  life :  viz. 

a.  The  widow's  son  at  Sarepta :  3  Kgs.  xvii.  22. 

b.  The  child  of  the  Sunamite  :  4  Kgs.  iv.  34. 

c.  The  man  in  the  tomb  of  Eliseus :  4  Kgs.  xiii.  21. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  169 

ii.  In  the  New  Testament : 

a.  The  daughter  of  Jairus,  just  dead  :  Mth.  ix.  25. 

b.  The    widow's     son,   on    the    way    to    burial: 

Lke.  vii.  15. 

c.  Lazarus,  dead  four  days  :  Jn.  xi.  44. 

d.  Tabitha,  by  S.  Peter :  Acts  ix.  40. 

e.  Eutychus,  by  S.  Paul :  Acts  xx.  10. 
iii.  Saints  have  raised  the  dead  to  life :  e.g. 

S.  Dominic :   Aug.  4. 
S.  Francis  Xavier  :  Dec.  3. 
iv.  Reason  suggests  the  Resurrection : 

a.  Body  and  soul  are  made  for  each  other,  here 

and  hereafter. 

b.  The  whole  man  seeks  for  happiness,  for  which 

he  is  made. 
To  be  obtained  fully  only  in  the  Resurrection. 

c.  The  bodies  of  the  Saints  shared  their  sufferings ; 

so  also  the  reward. 

d.  The  bodies  of  the  lost  shared  their  pleasures ; 

so  also  the  punishment. 

All  this  can  be  only  through  the  Resurrection, 
v.  Analogies  in  Nature : 

a.  Day  dies  down  to  night  and  returns :    (daily 

resurrection). 

b.  Summer,  followed  by  winter,  returns :  (annual 

resurrection). 

c.  Seed  in  the  soil  corrupts,  and  then  springs  up. 

d.  Vegetation  is  renewed  year  after  year. 

e.  All  things  revive  for  man :    shall  not  man  be 

restored  to  himself  ? 

Lessons : 

i.  Honour  your  body,  and  abuse  it  not  by  sin. 

a.  The  Church  anoints  it,  and  consecrates  it  to 

God. 

b.  She  respects  it,  and  lays  it  in  blessed  soil. 

ii.  Bear  patiently  sufferings  and  death,  in  view  of   a 

glorious  future. 

iii.  From   this   take  comfort  in  the  death  of    friends : 
i  Thess.  iv.  12. 


170  SERMON  PLANS 


85.     REPARATION    FOR   SIN. 

"Now  yield  your  members  to  serve  justice  unto  sanctitication." 
Rom.  vi.  19. 

i.  All  men  sin  before  God  in  some  degree, 
ii.  All  must  therefore  repair  the  past,  and  atone  for  evil 

done: 

Giving  now  to  virtue  what  hitherto  they  had  given 
to  sin. 

Reparation  for  Sin : 

i.  Every  sin  implies  two  things : 

a.  Guilt  in  the  soul,  to  be  forgiven. 

b.  Punishment  for  that  guilt,  to  be  undergone. 

ii.  God    often    pardons    sin,    without    pardoning    the 

guilt:  e.g. 
Adam  and  Eve  forgiven,  yet  condemned  to  death  : 

Gen.  iii. 
David's  sin  forgiven,  yet  punished  in  the  death  of 

his  child :  2  Kgs.  xii.  14. 
iii.  This  punishment  may  be : 

a.  Eternal,  remitted  by  the  Sacrament,  or  perfect 

Contrition. 

b.  Temporal,  partly  remitted  by  Good  Works  and 

Penances, 
iv.  More    easy    and    efficacious    here    on    earth    than 

hereafter  in  Purgatory. 

For    the    former    is    voluntary,   but    the    latter, 
involuntary. 

Means  of  making  reparation: 

i.  GOOD  WORKS,  comprised  chiefly  under  three  heads, viz. 

a.  Prayer,  which  appeases  God, 

For  such  sins  as  blasphemy,  neglect  of  Mass. 

b.  Fasting,  which  chastises  Ourselves. 

For  sins  of  self-indulgence  in  any  form. 

c.  Almsdeeds,  which  satisfies  our  Neighbour. 

For  any  injustice  we  may  have  done  him. 

d.  Good   works   are   also  meritorious    of    reward 

when  done  for  God. 
The  cup  of  cold  water:  Mth.  x.  42. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  171 


ii.  PENANCES  : 

"  Do  penance  for  all  your  iniquities."     Ezech.  xviii.  30. 
"Except  you  do  penance,  you  shall  perish."    Lke.  xiii.  5. 

a.  Anything  laborious  or  painful  borne  for  God. 

b.  Patience  in  labour,  toil,  suffering,  etc. 

S.  Aloysius  and  the  weather.* 

c.  Acts  of  mortification  and  self-denial. 

d.  Will  do  no  injury,  if  undertaken  in  prudence. 

S.  Hilarion  lived   80  years  :  Oct.  21. 
S.  Jerome       „     100      „       Sept.  30. 
S.  Antony       „     105      „        Jan.  17. 
All,  men  of  austere  lives. 

e.  Will  not  make  life  miserable ;  on  the  contrary. 

S.  Jerome,  amid  his   penances,  seemed  as  in 
Paradise. 

S.  Francis  Xavier  cried  "  Enough,  O  Lord," 
in  the  joy  he  felt  in  penance :  Dec.  3. 

See  the  joy  and  happiness  found  in  religious 

houses. 

/.  Hence  fear  not  the  spirit  of  penance  and  self- 
denial. 

In  some  degree,  it  is  necessary  for  salvation. 
g.  All  meritorious  to  repair  sin,  and  shorten  its 

punishment. 

h.  All,  then,  can  and  must,  do  penance  in  some 
form  or  other. 

Even    invalids    and    the    sick,    at   least   by 
patience  and  resignation. 

Lessons : 

i.  Follow  the  advice  of  the  text  and  repair  sin  now. 
ii.  A  Christian  is  "  one  born  to  penance." 
iii.  While   making    reparation    for    sin,    Penance   also 
subdues  the  passions,  and  will  make  death  sweet. 


*  S.  Aloysius,  speaking  of  the  inconveniences  of  the  heat  and  cold  of 
the  seasons,  said  that  of  all  mortifications  they  were  the  most  pleasing 
to  God,  for  two  reasons  :  because  they  came  from  God's  hand  and  should 
therefore  be  most  dear  to  us  ;  and,  because  they  are  more  hidden  and 
thus  less  exposed  to  the  dangers  of  vanity  or  pride. — Cat.  en  Ex. 


172  SERMON  PLANS 


86.     HELL. 
"  The  wages  of  sin  is  death."     Rom.  vi.  23. 

i.  After  the  resurrection,  Heaven  or  Hell  the  eternal 

lot  of  all  men. 
ii.  The  Epistle  to-day  reminds  us  Hell  is  the  result  of 

mortal  sin. 
iii.  Let  us  meditate  on  this  important  subject — eternal 

death. 

Eternal  Death,  or  Hell. 

"  The  wages  of  sin  is  death."     Rom.  vi.  23. 
i.  Place  of  punishment  for  all  who  die  in  mortal  sin. 
ii.  The  country  of  despair  and  useless  tears. 

a.  Long :  its  pains  are  all  eternal. 

b.  Broad:  containing  all  manner  of   torments  for 

soul  and  body. 

c.  High  :  its  torments  raised  to  the  highest  degree. 

d.  Deep :  its  anguish  real,  unmixed  with  any  solace. 
iii.  Intensity  of  punishment  proportioned  to  the  guilt  of 

each  one. 
Every  sense  and  faculty  having  its  own  peculiar 

suffering. 
iv.  Lasting  for  ever,  without  hope  of  release. 

"Their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not  extinguished." 
Mrk.  ix.  43. 

The  maddening  thought  of  all ! 
v.  The  two  great  evils  of  Hell  are : 

I.  The  Pain  of  Loss:  separation  from  God:  Mth.xxv.4i. 
i.  The  greatest  of  all  the  torments  the  damned  endure, 
ii.  The  soul,  made  for  God  and  once  freed  from  the 
earth,  longs  for  Him  with  intense  yearning.     But, 
iii.  God  in  His  anger  now  repels  the  soul  from  Him. 
iv.  This  pain  of  loss  the  damned  feel  in  their 
a.  Understanding;,  knowing 

1.  God,  as  deserving  their  love,  but  now  their 

Avenger,  whom  they  hate. 

2.  The    saints   and    their    joys,  but   only  to 

envy  and  curse  them. 

3.  The  graces  received  in  life,  and  the  justice 

of  their  sentence. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  173 

4.  The  evil    done,  but  only  to  regret   it   in 

unavailing  remorse. 

5.  Their     former    companions     saved,    with 

perhaps  fewer  graces. 

6.  Their  torments   now  useless    for  merit  or 

expiation. 

7.  Their  damnation  entirely  their  own  fault. 

b.  Memory: 

1.  Wondrously  accurate   and  unfailing  since 

the  Judgment. 

2.  Ever  suggesting  reflections  of  anguish,  hate 

and  despair. 

c.  Will: 

1.  Conscious     of    their     utter     slavery    and 

misery. 

2.  Intensely    hating    God,    His    Saints    and 

themselves. 

3.  Deep  sorrow,  not  for  sin  but,  their  own 

punishment  and  ruin, 

4.  Wishing  for  one  hour  for  repentance,  but 

all  in  vain. 

v.  Oh,  the  unbearable  suffering  of    eternal  separation 
from  God ! 

II.  The  Pain  of  Sense:  fire:  Mth.  xxv.  41. 

i.  As   appears   from   some  fifteen   passages   of   Holy 

Scripture. 

ii.  According  to  theologians,  material  fire, 
iii.  Not  like  earthly  fire,  made  for  our  comfort  and  daily 

wants. 

iv.  But  lit  up  by  the  anger  of  God  for  punishment, 
v.  Endowed  with  special   properties,  to  burn  soul  as 

well  as  body. 
Tormenting  each  sense  and  faculty  with  merciless 

power. 
vi.  Burning  ever,  yet  consuming  never !    Eternal  pain  ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Meditation  on  Hell  will  act  as 

a.  A  preservative  against  sin  :  Ecclus.  vii.  40. 

b.  A  spur  to  vigilance  and  care. 

c.  A  source  of  wholesome  fear  of  God. 

ii.  Many  Saints  have  trembled,  as  they  thought  over  it. 
Let  us  fear  also,  and  be  wise  in  time. 


174  SERMON  PLANS 


87.     MORTIFICATION. 

"  Mortify  the  deeds  of  the  flesh."     Rom.  viii.  13. 

i.  The  passions  of  man  tend  to  lead  him  from  God. 
ii.  If  he  wish  for  eternal  life,  these  must  be  resisted, 
iii.  By  mortification,  especially,  can  we  reduce  them  into 
subjection. 

Spirit  of  Mortification : 

i.  Any  restraint  we  place  upon  ourselves, 
ii.  Of  two  kinds : 

a.  Corporal,  or  exterior : 

1.  Penances  inflicted  on  the  body. 

2.  Labour,  fastings,  watchings,  etc. 

b.  Spiritual,  or  interior : 

1.  Subduing  the  passions  of  the  soul. 

2.  Obedience,  humiliations,  etc. 
iii.  Advantages: 

a.  It  tames  the  body  and  subjects  it  to  the  soul. 

As  the  servant  is  subject  to  his  master. 

b.  Remission  of  temporal  punishment  due  to  sin. 

Penance  is  of  an  expiatory  character. 

c.  Joy  of  heart  in  God's  service. 

1.  Nothing  so  unworldly  as  mortification. 

2.  The    mortified    are    void    of    the    world, 

therefore  mirthful. 

d.  Great  power  with  God. 

1.  By  suffering,  our  Lord  redeemed  the  world. 

2.  The    gift  of    miracles    follows    close   on 

austerity. 

3.  Lack   of    self-denial    makes    prayer    less 

availing. 

e.  Strength  to  our  piety  and  devotion. 

As  gymnastics  give  muscle  and  strength  to 
the  body. 


ON   THE   EPISTLES  175 


/.  Without  it,  no  Christian  truly  fulfils  his  calling. 

We  are  the  disciples  of  a  crucified  Lord, 
iv.  Without  exterior   mortification,  interior  will    not   be 
robust. 

Occasions  for  Mortification. 

i.  Exterior : 

a.  Afflictive  penances  (discipline,  fasting,  etc.). 

b.  Custody  of  the  senses,  the  preservative  of  virtue. 

c.  Bearing  sickness  and  pain. 

d.  Works  of  mercy  to  the  poor,  etc. 

e.  The  vicissitudes  of  life. 

Labour,  poverty,  heat  and  cold  (No.  85*). 
ii.  Interior  : 

a.  Mortification  of  the  judgment  and  will. 

b.  Kindly  interpretations. 

c.  Bearing  with  the  tongues  of  others. 

d.  Spiritual  desolation  and  temptation. 

Lessons : 

i.  Two  classes  of  men  need  mortification  : 

a.  Saints,  to  remain  innocent :  e.g. 

Job  xlii.  6. 

Daniel  ix.  3. 

The  Baptist :  Mth.  iii.  4. 

S.  Aloysius  :  June  21. 

b.  Sinners,  to  repair  the  past,  and  do  better :  e.g. 

The  Ninevites  :  Jon.  iii. 
S.  Margaret  of  Cortona:  Feb.  22. 
S.  Mary  of  Egypt :  Apl.  9. 
S.  Mary  Magdalen  :  July  22. 
ii.  Mortification  will  be  our  true  perseverance. 


I76  SERMON  PLANS 


88.     THE   FEAR  OF  GOD. 

"  You  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  in  fear."     Rom.  viii.  15. 

i.  The  Fear  of  the  Roman  converts  was  not  as  that  of 

the  ancient  Jews. 
Evidently  the  Apostle  refers  to  the  fear  in  which 

the  Law  was  received  in  Sina. 

ii.  There  is  a  fear  which  is  pleasing  to  God — a  gift  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  viz. 

Fear  of  the  Lord : 

i.  Filial  and  reverential,  leading  us  to  avoid  offending 

God. 
An  awe  which  makes  us  dread  God  as  a  tender 

father, 
ii.  Other  kinds  of  fear :  e.g. 

a.  Worldly  fear,  of  losing  what  the  world  can  give. 

b.  Servile   fear,   forsaking   evil   through   dread   of 

punishment  only. 

c.  Carnal    fear,   of    sickness,   suffering   or   incon- 

venience, 
iii.  Gift  found  in  Christ  Himself,  as  seen  in 

a.  His  veneration  for  the  Father. 

b.  His  dependence  on  God. 

c.  His  submission  to  the  divine  Will :  Mth.  xxvi.  39. 

d.  His  hatred  of  sin. 

iv.  In  no  way  opposed  to  Hope :  Scripture  enjoins  them 
both.* 

a.  We   must   hope  for  the  rewards  of  God :   Ps. 

cxviii.  112. 

b.  We  must  fear  His  punishments:  Lke.  xii.  5. 

Both  therefore  are  legitimate  motives  of  action. 

c.  They  present  to  us  two  necessary  aspects  of  God. 

1.  The  sternness  of  His  Justice:  and, 

2.  The  tenderness  of  His  Mercy, 
v.  Effects  of  holy  fear : 

a.  Respect  for  God  and  His  judgments. 

To  the  soul  animated  with  Fear,  God  alone 
is  Great. 

b.  Respect  for  the  Church,  Her  Laws,  Ceremonies, 

Feasts. 
"  He  that  heareth  you  heareth  Me."     Lke.  x.  16. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  177 

c.  Respect  for  the  creatures  of  God. 

All  come  from  Him  and  bear  some  relation 
to  Him. 

d.  Hatred  and  horror  of  sin  :  for, 

This  fear  makes  God's  majesty,  etc.,  to  shine 
forth  clearly. 

e.  Deep  humility,  and  watchfulness. 

/.  Desire  of  being  purified  by  Confession, 
vi.  Necessity  for  this  Fear  : 

a.  A  first  condition  for  Wisdom  and  Salvation. 

"The  fear  of  the   Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom." 

Prov.  i.  7. 
"With  fear  and  trembling,  work  out  your  salvation." 

Phil.  ii.  12. 

b.  It  prevents  man  degrading  himself  by  sin. 

c.  It  preserves  him  his  liberty  and  dignity. 

d.  It  guards  against  unworthy  fear  (above), 
vii.  Is  opposed  to  the  spirit  of  Pride. 

a.  Making  us  feel  our  nothingness  and  sin. 

b.  Giving  a  distrust  of  our  own  judgment  and  will, 
viii.  Means  to  obtain  it : 

a.  Prayer  and  petition  to  God. 

"  Pierce  thou  my  flesh  with  Thy  fear."     Ps.  cxviii.  120. 

b.  The  thought  of   God's  Majesty,  Sanctity  and 

Power. 

c.  Reflection  on  our  own  wretchedness  and  sin. 

d.  Meditations  on  the   four   last  things:    Ecclus. 

vii.  40. 
ix.  Examples  of  this  salutary  Fear.f 

Lessons : 

i.  Seek  to  obtain  so  precious  and  necessary  a  gift, 
ii.  On    Pentecost   especially,   beg   the   Holy  Ghost   to 

strengthen  it  in  you. 
iii.  Holy  Fear  will  bring  you  joy  and  gladness  of  heart : 

Ecclus.  i.  12. 

*  Hope  is  like  the  sails  of  a  ship,  and  Fear  is  its  ballast :  the  one 
impels,  the  other  restrains ;  and  between  the  two,  there  is  equilibrium. 

t  S.  Alphonsus  (Aug.  2)  was  full  of  fear,  when  a  slight  lie  had 
escaped  his  lips,  and  he  left  the  world  in  consequence — S.  Cajetan 
(Aug.  7)  feared  for  his  soul  amid  the  lawful  splendours  of  the  court  of 
Rome — S.  Rose  (Aug.  30)  cut  off  her  hair,  through  fear  of  the  danger 
it  might  cause  her. — Lives  of  the  Saints. 
M 


178  SERMON   PLANS 


89.    THE   BRAZEN   SERPENT. 

"Some  of  them  tempted,  and  perished  by  the  serpents."    I  Cor.  x.  9. 

i.  The  Jews  murmured  against  Moses,  and  so  tempted 

God:  Numb.  xxi.  5. 

ii.  Whereupon  fiery  serpents  were  sent  among  them, 
iii.  At  the  prayer  of  Moses,  God  gave  them  a  remedy — 

the  brazen  serpent. 

This  Serpent,  a  figure  of  Christ:  1500  years  B.C. 
i.  The  Jews  were  bitten  by  the  serpents,  and  many 

perished. 

Fiery,  i.e.  in  the  inflammatory  effects  of  their 
bite. 

a.  The  human  race  bitten  by  the  infernal  serpent. 

1.  This  wound  brought  death  into  the  world. 

2.  How  many  die  the  spiritual  death  of  sin  ! 

3.  Though  many  are  healed,  how  many  are 

killed  eternally ! 
ii.  God  was  moved  by  the  sufferings  of  His  people. 

b.  God  is  also  moved  by  the  evils  of  sinners. 

1.  He    often    sent    prophets   to   warn   them 

before  punishment. 

2.  He  sent  His  Son  to  redeem  them. 

3.  He  has  given  Church  and  Sacraments,  to 

heal  their  wounds. 
iii.  God  ordered  a  brazen  serpent  to  be  set  up. 

1.  The  people  bitten  were  to  look  upon  this. 

2.  Thereupon    they    were    healed    of    their 

wounds. 
a.  Not  by  the  Serpent  they  saw,  but  by 

Him  it  represented. 
ft.  In    virtue   of    their   compliance   with 

God's  command. 
y.  An  expression  of  faith  in  the  divinely 

appointed  means  of  salvation. 
8.  Miraculously,   and    not    in    any   way 

through  superstitious  worship. 

c.  Our  Lord  was  raised  on  the  Cross:  Jn.  iii.  14. 

i.  We,  looking  to  the  Cross  of  Christ,  shall 
be  freed  from  sin. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES 


2.  Faith,  confidence,  and  sorrow  must  animate 

us  in  so  doing, 
iv.  The  Serpent  seen  by  only  one  people,  the  Jews. 

d.  Our  Lord  on  the  Cross,  the  source  of  hope  for 

the  whole  world. 

1 .  He  died  thereon  for  all  men ;  and, 

2.  No  one  is  denied  His  healing  grace  who 

truly  repents. 

v.  The  Serpent  not  long  exposed  to  the  people's  view. 
Only  while  their  physical  sufferings  lasted. 

e.  Our   Lord   is  seen  on  the   Cross  till  the  end 

of  time. 

To  bring  salvation  to  all  generations, 
vi.  Only  by  looking  on  the  Serpent  could  the  wounds 

be  healed. 
It  was  the   only  means  God   appointed  for 

that  end. 
/.  Only  by  the  Redemption  of  the  Cross  can  man 

be  freed  from  sin. 
vii.  The  Serpent  was  harmless  in  itself,  but  was  made 

like  the  creatures  cursed  of  God:  Gen.  iii.  14. 
g.  Christ,  holy  and  undefiled,  was  made  sin  and  a 
curse  for  us:  Gal.  iii.  13. 

This  figure  teaches  that 

i.  The  Messiah  was  to  cure  the  diseases  of  the  soul, 
ii.  To  be  cured,  we  must  look  upon  Him,  in  faith,  love, 

obedience,  etc. 
iii.  He  is  the  only  true  physician  of  mankind. 

Lessons : 

i.  Murmur  not  against  authority,  lest  God  be  angry 

and  punish  you. 
ii.  What  the  Serpent  was  to  the  Jews,  the  Cross   is 

to  Christians. 
iii.  Let  the  Crucifix  be  found  and  honoured  in  every 

Catholic  home, 
iv.  The  Sign  of  the  Cross  will  help  to 

a.  Revive  our  Faith. 

b.  Strengthen  our  Hope,  and 

c.  Nourish  our  Chanty. 

v.  As  Christ  died  for  all  on  the  Cross,  never  despair  for 
any  sin,  nor  of  any  sinner. 


i8o  SERMON  PLANS 


90.     THE   EPISTLE. 

41  These  things  .  .  .  are  written  for  our  correction."    I  Cor.  x.  II. 

i.  These,   the  words   of    the   Apostle  on   the  events 

he  relates. 

ii.  "  Our  correction,"  i.e.  our  instruction,  as  a  warning, 
iii.  See  then  what  the  Epistle  really  says. 

Become  not  idolaters,  like  some  of  them : 

i.  A  reference  to  the  golden  calf  set  up  by  Aaron : 
Ex.  xxxii.  4. 

a.  Holocausts  and  peace-offerings  made  to  the  idol. 

b.  Eating  and  drinking,  in  honour  of  the  new  god. 

c.  Amusements  and  play  of  many  sorts, 
ii.  The  Corinthians  are  warned  against 

a.  Eating  meats  offered  to  idols,  giving  a  suspicion 

of  idolatry. 

b.  Sinful  indulgence  of  any  kind. 

c.  Excess  in  even  lawful  pleasures ;  for, 

To  all  these,  the  Corinthians  were  very  prone. 

Commit  not  fornication : 

i.  The  Jews  had  sinned  with  the  daughters  of  Moab : 

Numb.  xxv. 
ii.  Three  and  twenty  thousand  slain  by  command  of 

God,  in  His  anger, 
iii.  S.  Paul  addresses  this  warning  to  the  Corinthians, 

on  account  of  their  libidinous  propensities, 
iv.  As  God  was  angered  of  old,  so  is  He  yet  by  sin. 

Tempt  not  Christ,  as  some  of  them  tempted : 

i.  How  could  the  ancient  Jews  tempt  Him,  not  yet  born  ? 

a.  Christ  was  God  from  eternity. 

b.  The  Jews  tempted   God   by  speaking  against 

Him :  for, 
ii.  Many  complained  of 

a.  Being  led  into  the  desert. 

b.  The  light  food  provided  for  them  :  Numb.  xxi.  5. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  181 

iii.  Numbers  were  destroyed  by  the  serpents :  Ibid.  6. 

a.  Called  fiery,  because  of   the   burning  wounds 

they  caused. 

b.  Images  of  the  devils,  wounding  our  souls  by  sin. 
iv.  The  Brazen  Serpent  was  the  means  of  healing  them: 

Ibid.  8. 
Type  of  Christ  crucified,  and  of  faith  in  Him : 

Jn.  iii.  14. 

v.  Some   Corinthians   doubted   the    Resurrection,  and 
S.  Paul  warns  them  against  thus  tempting  Christ. 

Murmur  not: 

i.  Core   and    others    murmured    against    Moses    and 

Aaron  :  Numb.  xvi.  2. 
They  were  swallowed  down  alive  by  the  earth : 

Ibid.  32. 

ii.  Then  the  people  also  rebelled,  after  their  example. 
Fourteen   thousand    perished    by   the   destroyer  r 

Ibid.  49. 

iii.  Against  such  spirit  of  murmuring,  the  Apostle  also 
warns  his  people. 

These  things  written  for  us : 

i.  In  the  crimes  here  named,  S.  Paul 

a.  Instances     sins    whereon    to     reprimand     the 

Corinthians. 

b.  Shows  God's  punishments,  so  to  inspire  dread 

of  them, 
ii.  We  also  must  avoid  these  same  sins :  viz. 

a.  Idolatry  : 

1.  Not  perhaps  the  worship  of  false  gods. 

2.  But,  e.g.  gluttony  and  indulgence  of  the 

passions. 
Which  is  a  serving  of  idols :  Eph.  v.  5. 

b.  Fornication,  and  every  sort  of  impure  sin. 

c.  Tempting  God,  especially  by  presumption. 

d.  Murmuring : 

1.  Whether  directly,  against  His  Providence, 

2.  Or  indirectly,  resisting  the  will  of  superiors. 
iii.  God  is  the  avenger  of  all  these  things  :   i  Thess.  iv.  6. 


i8a  SERMON  PLANS 


91.     HOLINESS  OF   LIFE. 

i.  The  Apostle  says  there  are  diversities  of  graces, 
ii.  One  gift  is  bestowed  upon  all ;  viz.  grace  sufficient 

for  salvation, 
iii.  To  save  our  souls,  we  must  sanctify  them  by 

Holiness: 

i.  Man  is  holy,  only  in  so  far  as  he  fulfils  God's  will. 

ii.  Now  the  lives  of  most  men  are  lives  of  labour. 
iii.  Hence,  for  most  men,  holiness  will  lie  in  the  sancti- 

fication  of  their  labour, 
iv.  Take  example  from  the  life  of  the  Holy  Family. 

1.  They  were  poor,  but  not  in  extreme  poverty. 

2.  Though  of  royal  descent,  they  were  simple, 

hard-working  people. 

a.  Joseph : 

1.  A  humble  working-man:  Mth.  xiii.  55. 

2.  Daily  labour  in  his  workshop  or  elsewhere. 

3.  Grave  and  kind,  honest  and  beloved. 

b.  Mary  : 

1.  Household  work  :  cleaning  and  arranging 

all  things. 

2.  Journey  to  the  market  and  the  well,  for 

daily  supplies. 

3.  Preparation  of  meals;  spinning  or  weaving. 

Tradition  says  the  seamless  garment  was 
woven  by  herself. 

4.  Daily  devotions  to  God ;  and  practice  of 

the  Christian  virtues. 

c.  Jesus  : 

1.  Would  likewise  share  the  work. 

2.  Helping  His  parents,  as  might  be  needful. 

3.  Accompanying  one  or  both,  especially  to 

the  synagogue. 

v.  Thus,  for  years,  was  spent  the  hidden  life  of  the  Holy 
Family. 

a.  Amid  hardships,  toil  and  privation. 

b.  Yet   with   contentment,    mutual   affection,   and 

love  of  God. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  183 

c.  Thus  was  everything  sanctified  to  a  degree  none 

could  equal.     But, 
vi.  We  may  try  and  imitate  their  holiness :  for, 

1.  Have   not   most   of   us   similar   duties   to 

fulfil?  and, 

2.  Have  we  not  all  of  us  our  lives  to  sanctify  ? 

a.  Women !   mothers,  daughters,  servants,  saying 

you  have  no  time  for  this ! 

1.  You  have  washing,  cooking,  mending  to  do. 

2.  But  look  at  Mary,  see  her  work,  and  feel 

her  hands. 
Yet  was  ever  creature  as  holy  as  she  ? 

b.  Men  !  husbands,  sons,  artisans,  and  labourers. 

1.  You  complain  of  your  unceasing  work. 

2.  But  see  S.Joseph,  and  even  Jesus,  working 

as  hard  as  you  and  as  long. 
Yet  was  any  one  ever  so  holy  as  they  ? 
Oh  !  the  nobility  of  labour  and  work,  as  sancti- 
fied by  the  Holy  Family  ! 
vii.  Examine  and  correct  all  false  ideas  of  holiness. 

a.  It  does  not  consist  in 

1.  Leaving  the  world  for  the  cloister,  the  call 

of  few. 

2.  Great  austerity,  singular  works,  or  vows. 

3.  Prayer  alone:  Mth.  vii.  21. 

4.  The  amount  of  grace  received : 

a.  Many  receive  much  and  resist  it. 
ft.  Others  receive  less,  but  profit  by  it. 

5.  Long  hours  in  church,  etc.  to  the  neglect 

of  one's  duty. 

b.  It  essentially  consists  in  fulfilling  perfectly  the 

Will  of  God  in  one's  state. 

viii.  Labouring   millions !    see   your   examples   and   en- 
couragement in  Mary  and  Joseph. 

a.  Begin  to  realize  the  simplicity  of  the  work. 

1.  Doing  your  duties  with  pure  intention. 

2.  Joseph  was  a  perfect  carpenter :   Mary,  a 

perfect  wife  and  mother. 

b.  Sanctify  your  ordinary  actions  : 

Herein  lies  the  true  philosopher's  stone. 

c.  Thus  will  your  daily  toil  be  the  source  of 

1 .  Holiness,  here  on  earth  ; 

2.  Salvation,  hereafter  in  Heaven. 


184  SERMON   PLANS 


92.    GIFTS   OF  THE   HOLY   GHOST. 

"There  are  diversities  of  graces,  but  the  same  Spirit."     I  Cor.  xii.  4. 

i.  Some  theologians  take  this  text  to  refer  to  the  Gifts 

of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

ii.  It   at   least    furnishes   an   opportunity   of   studying 
them. 

Gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost : 

i.  Since  the  Fall,  two  spirits  hover  over  every  soul : 

a.  The  Holy  Spirit  and  the  Wicked  Spirit. 

b.  \Ve  necessarily  live  under  the  influence  of  one 

or  the  other. 

c.  According  as  we  are  thus  guided,  we  shall  be 

saints  or  reprobates. 

ii.  The  Wicked  Spirit,  accompanied  by  seven  others 
more  wicked  :  Mth.  xii.  45. 

a.  Pride,    Covetousness,   Lust,  Anger,   Gluttony, 

Envy,  Sloth. 

\Vho  amongst  us  has  not  experienced  their 
malign  influence  ? 

b.  Inspirers  and  abettors  of  all  public  and  private 

sins  and  disorders. 
iii.  The  Holy  Ghost  comes  to  our  aid  with  seven  other 

Spirits. 
For  man  of  himself  is  too  weak  to  resist  the  evil 

ones. 

These  are  called  the  seven  Gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
iv.  Infused  habits,  enabling  us  to  graceful  promptitude 
in  the  service  of  God. 

a.  Divine  germs  of  all  real  human  heroism. 

b.  Inspirers  and  promoters  of  all  public  and  private 

virtues. 

c.  Foundations  of  all  high  principles. 

d.  Freeing  us  from  the  slavery  of  creatures,  and 

giving  true  liberty. 

e.  Closely   connected    with    the    Fruits,   and   the 

Beatitudes, 
v.  Seven  in  number,  enumerated  by  Isaias  xi.  2,  3. 

a.  Wisdom,    Understanding,    Counsel,  Fortitude, 
Knowledge,  Piety,  Fear. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  185 

b.  Named  in  the  order  of  dignity,  as  found  in  Our 

Lord. 

c.  Hence,   the    repetition    of    seven    in    canonical 

penances,  etc. 

Penitents  regaining  the  seven  Gifts,  after  sin. 
vi.  Inseparable  from  each  other,  as  bound  up  in  Charity. 

As  Charity  is  lost  or  regained,  so  are  they, 
vii.  They  perfect  the  whole  soul  of  man ;  by 

a.  Illumination  of  the  Intellect. 

b.  Sanctification  of  the  Heart. 

c.  Union  of  the  Will  with  God. 
viii.  Necessary  to  salvation  : 

"God  loveth  none  but  him  that  dwelleth  with  Wisdom." 

Wisd.  vii.  28. 
"  He  that  is  without  Fear  cannot  be  justified."     Ecclus. 

i.  28. 

As  with  the  first  and  the  last,  so  with  the  interven- 
ing gifts. 

ix.  They  exist,  though  unequally,  in  all  who  are  in  grace. 
The  human  countenance  the  same  in  all,  though 

varying  in  detail. 
x.  They  lie  dormant  till  cultivated,  and  till   occasion 

brings  them  into  activity. 
Comparisons  of  fire  and  harmony.* 
xi.  Opposed  to  the  seven  evil  spirits,  which  attack  man 

in  his  whole  being, 
xii.  To   resist  these   evil    spirits,  we   need  these   seven 

divine  forces  of  God. 

Marvellous  tools,  wherewith  to  work  the  sanctifica- 
tion  of  the  soul. 

Hence : 

i.  Make  these  Gifts  the  object  of  frequent  and  fervent 

prayer,  especially  on  Pentecost.     But, 
ii.  Purify  your  soul  from  sin  for  their  reception. 
iii.  When  received,  cultivate  them  and  allow  them  to 

grow  and  expand : 

As    buds   upon    the   tree,   always   unfolding   into 
flower  and  fruit. 


*  Fire  is  always  in  the  flint,  but  it  does  not  appear  until  elicited  by 
a  stroke  ;  the  harp  is  mute,  until  the  hand  of  the  player  elicits  the 
harmony  that  lies  in  its  strings.  So,  the  soul  of  man,  though  containing 
the  whole  power  of  harmony  with  the  divine  Will,  does  not  manifest  it, 
without  the  assistance  of  the  "  Finger  of  God." — Manning. 


1 86  SERMON  PLANS 


93.     THE   ASSUMPTION    B.V. 

"  I  was  exalted  like  a  cedar  in  Libanus."     Ecclus.  xxiv.  17. 

i.  The  Assumption,  the  greatest  of  Mary's  feasts,  the 

crowning  of  a  unique  career, 
ii.  Imagine  the  triumphant  return  of  a  victorious  hero 

of  war. 
iii.  But  what  is  that,  compared  with  Mary's  exaltation 

into  Heaven ! 

The  Assumption : 

i.  Feast  of    the  4th   c.    in    honour  of  Mary's  ascent, 
body  and  soul,  to  Heaven. 

a.  At  the  age  of  63,  or  72. 

b.  At  Ephesus,  probably,  or  Jerusalem. 

ii.  None  of  Mary's  feasts  observed  in  the  very  early 
ages. 

a.  Lest  the  pagans,  with  their  goddesses,  might 

think  the  homage  excessive. 

b.  Lest  some  might  even  pass  on  to  adore  her. 
iii.  Eliseus  experienced  once  the  pains  of  separation : 

4  Kgs.  ii.  12. 
iv.  A  similar  pain  the  Apostles  experienced  twice  :  viz. 

a.  At  the  Ascension  of    Our  Lord    (by  His  own 

power). 

b.  At  the   Death   and  Assumption  of    Mary  (by 

the  power  of  God  only), 
v.  This  may  be  a  day  of  sadness,  or  joy : 

a.  Of  sadness,  at  Mary's  leaving  us : 

b.  Of  joy,  over  her  magnificent  triumph. 

vi.  Mary  dies,  not  of  old  age  or  sickness,  but  of  love. 

a.  To  die  in  love,  is  to  die  in  the  state  of  grace. 

Necessary  for  salvation,  as  with  all  the  Just. 

b.  To  die  for  love,  is  to  die  through  fidelity  to 

God's  law. 

As  with  the    Martyrs,  rather  than  renounce 
their  Faith. 

c.  To  die  of  love,  is  that  love  causes  death. 

Thus  died  Mary,  the  Virgin  Mother. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  187 

vii.  If  it  became  Mary  to  die,  it  became  her  also  that 
Death's  victory  should  be  short,  and  her  tomb 
be  glorious  like  her  Son's. 
Tradition,  as  to  the  opening  of  her  tomb. 

viii.  Mary's  SOUL  has  the  three-fold  aureola  in  Heaven,  of 

a.  Virgins :  "  Virgin  of  Virgins." 

b.  Doctors :  She  was  teacher  of  the  Apostles  even. 

c.  Martyrs :  "  Queen  of  Martyrs." 

ix.  Mary's    BODY   enjoys   the   highest   degrees   of    the 
glorified  state. 

a.  The  face  of  Moses  shone  as  the  sun  :  2  Cor.  iii.  7. 

How   much   more   will   the   body   of    Mary, 
most  perfect. 

b.  If   she  were  so  perfect  on    earth,   how   much 

more  now  in  Heaven. 

c.  One  of  the  joys  of  the  Blessed  to  contemplate. 
x.  Mary's  triumphant  assumption  a  day  of 

a.  Glory  to  God — Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost : 

The  crowning  of  the  work  of  His  hands. 

b.  Gladness  to  the  A  ngels  : 

The  Introit  to-day  bids  us  rejoice  with  them. 

c.  Jubilation  to  the  Saints  : 

Our  own   human  nature  here  raised  to  the 
height  of  glory. 

d.  Happiness  to  the  Church  on  earth  : 

Mary  is  the  Mother  of  the  Faithful. 

e.  Magnificence  to  Mary  herself  : 

1.  Her  sorrows  turned  now  to  joy. 

2.  Her  trials  fully  rewarded. 

3.  Her  desire  to  be  reunited  to  her  Son  realized, 
xi.  Not   defined    as   a   dogma ;  .  yet   the   teaching   and 

tradition  of  the  Church. 
A  grievous  presumption  to  question  or  oppose  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  The  glory  of  Heaven  is  our  reward  also :  encourag- 
ing thought ! 

ii.  Cooperation  with  divine  grace,  the  root  of  perfection, 
iii.  Perseverance  in  love,  despite  every  obstacle, 
iv.  Devotion  to  Mary,  a  pledge  of  salvation. 


1 88  SERMON  PLANS 


94.     TYPES  OF   MARY. 

i.  To-day's  lesson  compares  Mary  to  a  rose-plant,  a 

cedar,  etc. 
ii.  As  Our  Lord  was  typified  in  the  Old  Law,  so  also 

Mary,  His  Mother. 

iii.  These   comparisons   suggest   our   considering  some 
types  of  Our  Lady. 

I.  Eve  :  Gen.  ii. 

i.  Made  direct  by  the  hand  of  God  Himself. 

Mary  the  special  work  of  God — His  masterpiece 

in  body  and  soul. 
ii.  Eve,  created  in  innocence  and  holiness,  happy  before 

the  Fall. 
Mary's    purity    inviolate    and    inviolable,    never 

estranged  from  God. 

iii.  The  name  means,  "  mother  of  the  living,"  as  mother 
of  mankind. 

a.  Mary  is  mother  of  Jesus,  source  of  the  life  of 

our  souls. 
She  is  called  "  our  life,  our  sweetness." 

b.  As  Pharao's  daughter  adopted  Moses,  so  Mary, 

the  Faithful, 
iv.  But  how  inferior  the  type  to  the  reality ! 

Eve  brought  us  death,  by  sin  :  Mary  gives  us  life, 
by  Christ. 

II.  The  Ark  of  Noah :  Gen.  vi. 

i.  The  Flood,  the  punishment  of  the  iniquity  of  men. 
Representing  the  deluge  of  sin,  by  which  men's 

souls  are  ruined, 
ii.  The  Ark  and  those  within  alone   saved    from   the 

universal  catastrophe. 
Mary,  ark  of  the  living  God,  alone  preserved  free 

from  all  sin. 
iii.  Contained  Noah,  the  restorer  and  second  father  of 

the  human  race. 

Mary,  the  second  ark,  carried  Jesus,  who  restored 
our  souls  to  grace. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  189 

iv.  All  in  the  Ark  were  saved  from  death  in  the  waters 

of  the  Flood. 

Mary  is  our  ark  of  salvation :  no  true  client  of 
hers  will  perish. 

III.  The  Burning  Bush:  Ex. Hi. 

i.  The  Lord  spoke  to  Moses  in  a  flame  of  fire. 
A  bush  burning,  without  being  consumed, 
ii.  Mary  is  typified  by  this  burning  Bush. 

Image  of  her  admirable  and  perpetual  virginity. 

a.  The  Lord  rested  in  the  Bush. 

The  Son  of  God  dwelt  in  Mary. 

b.  The  Bush  was  not  consumed  by  the  flames. 

Mary's  Virginity  not  affected  by  her  Maternity, 
iii.  Moses   had    this  vision,  when    God  was   about   to 
deliver  Israel. 

a.  Mary   became   Mother,  when    our  redemption 

was  at  hand. 

b.  The  figures  and  symbols  of  the  past  were  now 

to  be  fulfilled. 

iv.  God  appeared  not  in  a  tall  tree,  but  in  a  lowly  shrub. 
The  Son  of  God  born,  not  of  a  noble  queen  but, 

of  a  humble  virgin. 

v.  Let  us  go  and  meditate  this  miracle  :  a  virgin,  bearing 
the  Son  of  God. 

IV.  The  Tower  of  David :  Cant.  iv.  4. 

i.  David  built  a  tower  on  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  well 

provided  with  armour. 

From  this  stronghold,  all  attacks  could  be  resisted. 
ii.  Mary  is  a  spiritual  fortress,  a  tower  of  strength. 

Solid  and  secure  in  virtue  against  all  the  powers 

of  Hell, 
iii.   Mary  not  only  a  tower,  but  the  Tower  of  David : 

Descending   from    David,   of   whom    Christ   also 

came,  to  defeat  the  infernal  Goliath, 
iv.  Mary,  a  tower  of  defence  and  a  place  of  refuge. 

a.  To  her  we  must  have  recourse  in  danger. 

b.  There,  repentant  sinners  may  flee  from  divine 

vengeance. 
Hence : 

i.  Honour  Mary,  thus  typified  in  Holy  Writ, 
ii.  Congratulate  her  on  this  her  greatest  Festival. 


SERMON  PLANS 


95-     GRACE. 

"By  the  grace  of  God."     I  Cor.  xv.  10. 

i.  The  question  of  Grace  one  of  the  most  difficult  in 

all  theology. 

S.  Augustine,  its  chief  exponent :  5th  c. 
ii.  At  the  same  time,  a  most  important  one  for  all. 
iii.  Try  therefore  to  know  something  of  it. 

Grace : 

i.  A  supernatural  gift  of  God,  freely  bestowed  for  our 

sanctification  and  salvation. 

ii.  There  are  many  divisions  of  Grace:  consider  the 
two  chief :  viz. 

a.  Habitual,  or  sanctifying  Grace : 

1.  Permanently  inhering  in  the  soul. 

2.  Uniting  us  to  God,  as  His  children. 

3.  The  source  of  actual  graces 

4.  Typified  by 

The  cleansing  of  Naaman  :  4  Kgs.  v.  14. 
The  wedding  garment:  Mth.  xxii.  12. 
The  parable  of  the  vine:  Jn.  xv.  5. 

b.  Actual  Grace: 

1.  Not  a  permanent,  but  a  transient  divine 

influence. 

2.  Enabling  the  soul  hie  et  nunc  to  avoid  evil 

and  do  good. 

3.  Enlightening  the  mind,  and  strengthening 

the  will. 

4.  Examples : 

The  preaching  of  Jonas :  Jon.  iii. 

The  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost :  Acts  ii.  3. 

The  conversion  of  S.  Paul :  Ibid.  ix. 

5.  Occasions  of  actual  grace :  e.g. 

a.  Sermons :    S.  Antony,    the    Hermit  : 

Jan.  17. 

ft.  Good  reading:  S.Ignatius:  Jly.  31. 
y.  An  accident:  S.  Norbert :  June  6. 
8.  A  death :  S.  Francis  Borgia :  Oct.  10. 
e.  Friendly  advice :  The  rich  young  man : 

Mth.  xix.  21. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  igi 

6.  Means  to  obtain  it : 

a.  The  performance  of  good  works  : 

Especially  prayer,  fasting,  and  alms- 
deeds. 

/?.  Hearing  Mass, 
y.  Receiving  the  Sacraments. 
8.  Attending  instructions, 
iii.  Effects  of  divine  Grace  : 

a.  Justification    of    the    soul    by    freedom    from 

mortal  sin.* 

b.  We  become  the  temples  of  God :   i  Cor.  iii.  16. 

c.  Ease   in   obeying  the   divine    Law  and   moral 

precepts. 

d.  Great  peace  in  the  mind:  Ps.  cxviii.  165. 

e.  Good  works,  done  for  God,  and  then  meritorious 

for  eternity. 
/.  We   become   children    of    God,    and    heirs   of 

His  Kingdom. 
g.  Grace  is  the  root  of  future  glory. 

Our  Glory  in   Heaven,  proportioned  to  our 

Grace  upon  earth. 
iv.  Lost  by  one  mortal  sin,  though  it  probably  revives 

on  repentance. 

v.  Without  a  special  revelation,  no  one  knows  whether 
he  have  grace  in  the  heart,  though  we  may  have 
a  moral  certitude  of  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  Value  this  beautiful  gift,  producing  such  fruits  in 

the  soul, 
ii.  Guard    it   with    care,   as    it    may   easily   be    lost : 

2  Cor.  iv.  7-f 
iii.  Avoid  occasions  of  sin  that  expose  you  to  its  loss. 


*  Some  Saints  have  been  permitted  to  see  a  soul  in  grace,  and  have 
declared  that  its  dazzling  beauty  exceeded  every  splendour  they  could 
conceive  of  on  earth. 

t  "  Even  if  a  man  have  the  light  of  grace  and  the  love  of  God,  let 
him  remember  he  is  still  under  the  open  sky  and  not  in  the  house,  and 
that  a  breeze  may  put  out  this  holy  light  for  ever." — 5.  Bernard. 


192  SERMON  PLANS 


96      CORRESPONDENCE  TO  GRACE. 

"  His  Grace  in  me  hath  not  been  void."     I  Cor.  xv.  10. 
i.  Whole  sanctities  may  follow  correspondence  with  a 

single  grace ! 
ii.  See  what  S.  Paul  became,  by  accepting  the  grace 

given  him  on  his  way  to  Damascus :  Acts  ix. 
iii.  To-day  he  tells  us,  in  the  text,  that  he  corresponded 

with  it. 

iv.  This  is  a  subject  of  utmost  importance,  and  concerns 
us  all  most  closely. 

Correspondence  to  Grace 

i.  Is  and  implies 

a.  Accepting  the  graces  God  may  bestow. 

b.  Habitual  attitude  of  waiting  for  grace. 

c.  Prayer  to  God  that  we  may  use  grace  rightly. 

d.  Renewal  of  intention  to  seek  God's  glory  in 

all  things. 

e.  Perseverance  and  heroism  in  difficulties, 
ii.  Is  absolutely  necessary  to  all  of  us. 

"God  made  us  without  ourselves,  but  will  not  save  us  without 
ourselves."     S.  Aug. 

iii.  Is  a  stimulating  source  of  prayer, 
iv.  Draws  down  upon  us  a  number  of  further  graces : 
These    help    to    form    the    chain    of    our    final 

perseverance, 
v.  Must  be 

a.  Prompt  : 

Without  hesitation,  once  we  know  the  move- 
ment to  be  grace. 

b.  Brave: 

1.  Gladly  believing  even  in  the  impossible! 

2.  Yet  with  diffidence  of  self,  and  full  trust 

in  God. 

c.  Humble: 

1.  Ourow-n  will  must  disappear  before  God's. 

2.  Being  less  attached  to  our  work  than  to 

Him  for  whom  we  do  it. 
Otherwise  much  grace  may  be  lost. 

3.  Not  resting  in  our  graces :   they  are  but 

means  to  an  end. 

Thus  even  the  gifts  of  God   may  have 
their  dangers. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES 


193 


Neglect  of  Grace: 

i.  A  secret  reserve  of  God's  wrath, 
ii.  An  important  witness  against  us  at  the  Judgment, 
iii.  Prevents  other  graces  reaching  us  that  were  intended 

for  us. 

iv.  Furnishes  food  to  old  habits  of  sin. 
v.  Chills  fervour  into  lukewarmness. 
vi.  Hardens  the  heart,  and  intercepts  the  grace  of  final 
perseverance. 

Examples  of 

i.  Correspondence  with  Grace  : 

Samuel,  answering  the  Lord  :   i   Kgs.  iii. 
The  Shepherds,  going  to  the  Crib:  Lke.  ii.  15. 
The  Magi,  leaving  their  homes :  Mth.  ii.  2. 
The  Good  Thief :  Lke.  xxiii.  42. 
Saul,  thrown  to  the  ground :  Acts  ix.  6. 
ii.  Abuse  of  Grace  : 

Cain  :  Gen.  iv.  7,  15. 
Pharao  and  the  plagues. 

The  Pharisees,  ignoring  our  Lord's  miracles. 
The  rich  young  man  :  Mth.  xix.  22. 
Judas,  called  "  friend  "  by  his  Lord  :  Ibid.  xxvi.  50. 
The  impenitent  thief,  receiving  the  same  mercies 
as  the  other. 

Lessons : 

i.  Learn  from  both  sets  of  examples  to  value  highly 

the  graces  of  God. 

ii.  Resolve  now  to  profit  by  those  you  receive, 
iii.  One  grace  contains,  as  it  were,  another,  and  tends 

to  bring  it  to  us. 

As  the  acorn  truly  contains  and  produces  the  oak. 
iv.  One  grace  rejected  may  mean  the  ruin  of  persever- 
ance :  while, 

v.  Every  grace  accepted  means  increased  reward  here- 
after.* 
Correspondence  with  grace  is  thus  our  sole  work. 


*  Grace  is  glory  begun,  and  glory  is  grace  consummated.  Grace 
is  glory  in  the  bud,  and  glory  is  grace  in  the  fruit.  Grace  is  the 
lowest  degree  of  glory,  and  glory  the  highest  degree  of  grace. — Burkitt. 

N 


194  SERMON  PLANS 


97.     SECRET   WORKINGS  OF  GRACE. 

"Our  sufficiency  is  from  God."     2  Cor.  iii.  5. 

i.  How  silently  work  the  great  forces  of  Nature :  e.g. 
The  morning  light  steals  softly  over  the  world. 
Noiselessly  the  sap  stirs  the  naked  trees  in  spring. 
ii.  Thus  silent  is  the  action  of    God  on   matter,   but 

more  so  still  in  the  immaterial  souls  of  men. 
If  we  cannot  follow  it  in  the  former,  still  less  in 

the  latter :  Lke.  xvii.  20. 

iii.  Consider  one  of  God's  spiritual  gifts — Grace  and  its 
secret  workings. 

Divine  Grace: 

i.  Man  at  birth  pertains  to  the  order  of   nature,  till 
Baptism  lifts  him  to  a  supernatural  plane. 

a.  The  difference  not  at  once  apparent,  yet  truly 

there;  as, 

b.  Between  a  real  and  a  carved  acorn,  little  differ- 

ence to  the  eye,  yet  in  reality  what  a  distance 
divides  them ! 

c.  So,  the  essential,   though   invisible,   difference 

between  a  man  in  grace,  and  one  devoid  of  it. 
ii.  Grace  lifts  us  even  above  the  angels,  considered  in 
their  nature  alone. 

a.  A  greater  gift  than  Creation — a  new  creation 

into  a  higher  order. 

b.  It  is  literally  being  "  born  again  :  "  Jn.  iii.  5. 

First,  children  of  Adam,  by  nature ;  then,  of 

God,  by  Grace, 
iii.  This  relationship  with  God  bestows  upon  us 

a.  Spiritual  rank  and  dignity,  beyond  description. 

We  may  now  address  Him  as  "Our  Father." 

b.  Fellowship  with  Christ,  since  we  are  sons  of 

God. 

1.  Relationship  without  an  equal  in  condes- 

cension and  love. 

2.  Intensified  in  the  Incarnation,  wherein  Our 

Lord  embraced 


ON    THE    EPISTLES 


a.  Temporal  life,  that  we  might  acquire 

the  eternal. 
ft.  Poverty,   that   we    might   share   His 

riches. 
c.  Men  are  proud  of  noble  ancestry. 

Yet  what  compares  with  the  honour  of  being 

brothers  of  Christ ! 
iv.  Grace  makes  us  tabernacles  of   God:  i  Cor.  iii.  i6> 

a.  The  Holy  Ghost  dwells  in  a  soul  in  Grace. 

b.  Where  He  is,  there  also  are  Father  and  Son : 

Jn.  xiv.  23. 

c.  We   are   even   made   partakers   of    the   divine 

nature:  2  Pet. i. 4. 

Hence  the  enormity  of  sin,  committed  by  one 
in  grace. 

d.  The  soul  does  not  become  God,  but  God  enters 

its  innermost  recesses. 
As  light  fills  a  clear  crystal. 

e.  As  bodies  reflect  light  differently,  so  also  souls,. 

their  degrees  of  grace  :   i  Cor.  xv.  41. 
v.  Grace  also  bestows 

a.  A  special  knowledge  of  things  spiritual ;  and 

b.  A  power  to   discriminate    between    them    and 

earthly  vanities. 

As  witness  the  lives  of  the  Saints  and  Martyrs, 
vi.  It  makes  our  every  act  pleasing  to  God,  if  done  for 
supernatural  ends. 

a.  The  true  "  philosopher's  stone  "  (merit). 

b.  Whereby  the  future  life  is  made  dependent  on 

this  one. 

vii.  Thus  is  Grace,  day  by  day,  secretly  working  out  the 
principles  of  future  glory. 

Lessons : 

i.  Realize  the  beauty  and  effects  of   Grace,  then  will 

you  guard  it  jealously, 
ii.  Keep  it  ever   bright  in  the  soul,  like  the  wedding 

garment:  Mth.  xxii.  12. 

iii.  Grace,  a  joygiving  thought  to  sorrowful  and  sin- 
laden  souls. 

They  are  made  for  happiness,  and  through  Grace, 
will  find  it  in  eternity. 


196  SERMON   PLANS 


98.     MOSES,  A  TYPE  OF   CHRIST. 

i.  God  took  4,000  years  to  prepare  the  world  for  the 

Messiah, 
ii.  As  one  means  to  this  end,  He  raised  up  types  of  Him. 

a.  Types  show  forth  His  chief  characteristics. 

b.  The  Elders  were  enlightened  to  recognize  these, 

and  instruct  the  people  therein, 
iii.  When  our  Lord  came,  men  could  not  fail  to  observe 

them, 
iv.  To-day's  Epistle  refers  to  Moses,  a  prominent  type 

of  Christ. 

Moses,  a  type :  e.g. 

i.  Pharao  slaying  the  male  children,  when  Moses  was 
born  :  Ex.  i.  16. 

a.  Herod  slaying  the  Innocents,  at  the  birth  of 

Christ:  Mth.  ii.  16. 

ii.  Escape  of    Moses,  in  a  basket  among  the  sedges : 
Ex.  ii.  3. 

b.  Escape   of   Our  Lord,   by  flight   into  Egypt: 

Mth.  ii.  14. 

iii.  Moses  was    taken  to  the  Court  of    Pharao  to  be 
educated. 

c.  Our  Lord  was  reared  for  a  time  in  the  foreign 

land  of  Egypt. 
iv.  Moses  later  on  returned  to  his  brethren,  the  Israelites. 

d.  Our  Lord  returned  to  His  brethren,  the  Jews, 

in  Palestine. 

v.  Moses,  chosen  of  God  to  deliver  Israel  from  Egypt : 
Ex.  iii.  10. 

e.  Our  Lord,  sent  by  the  Father  to  deliver  man 

from  sin. 
vi.  Before  appearing  among  the  people,  Moses  passed 

40  years  in  the  desert. 
/.  Before  manifesting  Himself  to  the  world,  Our 

Lord  spent  30  years  at  Nazareth. 
vii.  Moses  wrought  miracles  to  prove  himself  the  envoy 

of  God  :  Ex.  iv. 
g.  The   Gospels    relate    the   miracles   Our    Lord 

wrought   to  prove   Himself    the  envoy,  and 

also  the  Son  of  God. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  197 


viii.  Moses   commanded   the    sacrifice   of    the    Paschal 

Lamb :  Ex.  xii.  24. 

h.  Our  Lord,  the  true  Paschal  Lamb,  sacrificed 
Himself  on  Calvary,  and  is  still  offered  daily 
on  the  Altar. 

ix.  Moses  led  the  Hebrews  through  the  waters  of  the 
Red  Sea,  which  then  separated  them  from 
the  Egyptians  :  Ex.  xiv.  22. 

i.  Christ  leads  His  people  through  the  waters  of 
Baptism,   which    separates   Christians    from 
Infidels. 
x.  Moses  led  his  people  through  the  desert,  towards  the 

Land  of  Promise. 

j.  Christ  leads  His  followers,  through  the  desert 

of  life,  to  the  true  Land  of  Promise — Heaven. 

xi.  Moses  obtains  the  Manna  from  Heaven,  as  food  in 

the  desert :  Ex.  xvi.  15. 
k.  Christ  feeds  our  souls  with  the  Living  Bread 

from  Heaven, 
xii.  Moses  gives  the  Law  on  Mount  Sinai :  Ex.  xx. 

1.  To  the  Jews,  and  for  a  time  only. 

2.  Amid  the  terrors  of  thunder  and  lightning. 
/.  Our    Lord    gives    a    more    perfect   Law — the 

Sermon  on  the  Mount :  Mth.  v. — vii. 

1.  For  the  whole  world,  and  for  all  time. 

2.  Taught  in  all  sweetness  and  mercy. 

xiii.  Moses  offered  the  blood  of  victims  to  ratify  the  Old 

Covenant. 
m.  Our  Lord  offers  His  own  Blood  to  ratify  the 

New. 
xiv.  Moses  did  not  finally  lead  the  people  into  Cana : 

Deut.  xxxiv.  14. 

n.  Our  Lord,  greater  than  Moses,  opened  Heaven 
to  men,  on  the  day  of  His  Ascension. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Moses  typifies  Our  Lord,  chiefly,  as  being 

Our  Deliverer,  our  Legislator,  and  our  Intercessor. 

ii.  The  Just  of  the  Old  Law  found  their  consolation  in 
the  many  types  God  raised  up  in  their  midst. 

iii.  Let  us  rejoice  in  the  reality,  and  admire  the  ways  of 
Divine  Providence. 


198  SERMON  PLANS 


99.     UNITY  OF  GOD. 

"God  is  one."     Gal.  iii.  20. 

i.  These  words  express  a  simple  and  elementary  truth 

of  Faith. 

ii.  Simple  truths  are  very  apt  to  be  overlooked :  for, 
iii.  How  few  people  care  to  dwell  on  such  a  sublime 

subject  as  the  nature  of  God. 
iv.  Take  then  to-day  the  opportunity  of  considering  the 

Unity  of  God : 

I.  A   REVEALED  TRUTH  :    for    God    has    manifested 

Himself  in 
i.  A  Primitive  Revelation,  as  the 

a.  One  Creator  of  all  things:  Gen.  i. :  ii.  19. 

b.  One  Lawgiver,  who  gave  all  to  Adam  except 

one  fruit. 

"Of  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good   and   evil  thou 
shall  not  eat."     Gen.  ii.  17. 

c.  One  Judge,  who  will  punish  disobedience. 

"  In  what  day  soever  thou  shalt  eat  of  it,  thou  shah 
die."    Ibid. 

ii.  A  Revelation  to  Moses  and  the  prophets,  as  one  God. 

"  Thou  shalt  not  have  strange  gods  before  Me."     Ex.  xx.  3. 
"There  is  no  other  god  besides  Me."     Deut.  xxxii.  39. 

iii.  A  Christian  Revelation. 

"That  they  may  know  Thee,  the  only  true  God."   Jn.  xvii.  3. 
"There  is  no  God  but  One."     I  Cor.  viii.  4. 

II.  A  TRUTH  ATTAINABLE  BY  REASON: 

i.  It  is  repugnant  to  Reason  to  hold  the  existence  of  a 
plurality  of  absolute  beings : 

a.  The  existence  of  one  such  excludes  the  very 

idea  of  a  second.* 

b.  A  being  is  supreme  only  in  so  far  as  others 

depend  on  him. 

c.  That  being  alone  is  infinitely  perfect  who  has 

all  perfections. 

If  more  than  one  God  existed,  some  of  his 
perfections  must  be  limited. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  199 

d.  Since  God  is  infinitely  perfect,   He   must   be 

supreme  Lord. 
Two   or   more  cannot   be  supreme,  because 

limited  by  each  other. 

ii.  Unity  of  order   in  Nature  testifies  to  one  Author 
of  Creation. 

a.  Everything  in  the  moral  and  physical  worlds 

points  to  unity  of  thought,  will  and  execution. 

b.  Everywhere    we    find    the    same    laws,   same 

causes,  same  results. 

c.  All  which  presupposes  one  supreme  Legislator, 

and  one  Providence  governing  all  things, 
iii.  The  voice  of  Conscience  points  to  one  Lawgiver. 

The  principles  of  the  Moral  Law  are  everywhere 
the  same. 

III.  A  TRUTH  CONSENTED  TO  BY  ALL  MEN  : 

i.  Despite   their   polytheism,    even    the    Pagans   have 

preserved  the  idea  more  or   less  distinct  of  the 

unity  of  God  ;  for, 
ii.  Their  polytheism  was  not  one  of  equality,  but  of 

subordination  ;  and, 

iii.  They  recognized  among  their  gods  one  as  supreme, 
iv.  Thus    do    they    agree    herein   with   the    primitive 

Revelation  of  Jews  and  Christians. 

IV.  ONE  OF  THE  FOUR  GREAT  TRUTHS  : 

To  be  believed  by  every  Christian  :  hence, 
i.  The  need  of  knowing  and  studying  it ;  and, 
ii.  The  great  Charity  of  teaching  it  to  others, 
iii.  The  zeal  of  missionaries,  going  among  the  heathen. 

Lessons : 

i.  As  God  is  one,  so  is  His  Church,  His  authoritative 

manifestation  on  earth, 
ii.  Thank  God  for  calling  you  to  this  Church,  whose 

unity  proclaims  its  divine  origin. 

iii.  Endeavour  always  to  promote   unity  of  mind  and 
heart  among  men. 


*  Manicheism  held  two  infinite  necessary  principles — of  good,  and 
of  evil.  Into  this  heresy  of  the  fifth  c.  the  great  S.  Augustine  fell : 
pride  and  sensuality  were  the  causes  of  such  a  fall,  as  he  himself 
admits.  The  instructions  of  S.  Ambrose,  at  Milan,  were  the  first 
beginning  of  his  conversion  from  error. — His  Life:  Aug.  28. 


SERMON   PLANS 


100.     THE   PROMISE   OF   A   REDEEMER. 
"God  gave  it  to  Abraham  by  promise."     Gal.  iii.  18. 

i.  Fallen  man  could  not  make  his  peace  with  God. 

a.  A  finite  being  could  not  repair  an  infinite  evil. 

b.  He  consequently  must  have  been  lost  for  eternity, 
ii.  But  God  in  mercy  promised  a  Redeemer,  first  to 

Adam  (Gen.  iii.),  then  to  Abraham  (Gen.  xxii.). 

Abraham  and  the  Promise : 

i.  After   the   deluge,  men   multiplied,  and   again    fell 

from  God. 

By  every  form  of  sin :  Wisd.  xii.  4 :  Rom.  i.  23. 
ii.  Man  was  now  left  for  ages  in  his  sad  plight : 

a.  To  teach  him  how  great  is  the  corruption  of 

hearts  after  the  Fall. 

b.  To   cure   his   pride,  showing  him   what  he    is 

capable  of,  left  to  himself. 

c.  To  convince  him  of  the  need  of  a  Redeemer, 
iii.  Yet  God  did  not  abandon  him  altogether. 

He  chose  a  special  people,  whom  He  preserved 

from  the  general  corruption. 

iv.  As  a  reward  of  his  fidelity,  Abraham  became  the 
father  of  this  people. 

"  I  will  multiply  thee  exceedingly."     Gen.  xvii.  2. 

"  I  will  multiply  thy  seed  as  the  stars  of  Heaven."  Gen.  xxii.  17. 

v.  The  descendants  of  Abraham 

a.  Multiplied  and  grew  to  be  a  great  people. 

b.  Received   the    Law   through    Moses   to   guide 

them  :  Ex.  xx. 

"  After  four  hundred  and  thirty  years"  from 
the  promise. 

c.  Settled  in  Cana, "  flowing  with  milk  and  honey  " : 

Jos.  v.  6. 

d.  Had    the    promise    renewed    five  times   again. 

(No.  n.) 

e.  Had   prophets   sent    to  them,  to   instruct   and 

rebuke. 
/.  Received  many  miraculous  favours  from  God. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES 


vi.  Known  in  history,  as 

a.  The  Israelites,  from  the  name  of  one  of  their 

patriarchs. 

b.  The    Jews,    from    Juda,    of    which    tribe    the 

Redeemer  was  to  come. 

c.  The  People  of  God,  from  the  special  protection 

He  gave  them, 
vii.  Even    they   were    not    always   faithful,    but    often 

rebelled  against  God. 
Who  punished  them,  but  on  repentance,  pardoned 

again, 
viii.  Their    religion    consisted    chiefly    in    sacrifices    of 

animals,  etc. 
Types  of  the  future  sacrifice  of  the   Redeemer, 

which  gave  them  their  efficacy, 
ix.  The  rest  of  nations  were  called  Gentiles : 

a.  Who  knew  not  God,  nor  the  things  of  God. 

b.  Were  guilty  of  idolatry,  and  of  every  abomina- 

tion before  Him  :  Rom.  i. 

The  Israelites  and  Revelation : 

i.  God  made  known  some  truths  to  His  People :  e.g. 

a.  The  knowledge  of  Himself  and  His  Law. 

b.  The  cause  of  their  miseries — Sin. 

c.  The  only  remedy  for  them — a  Redeemer. 

d.  The  object  of  their  Creation — Salvation. 

e.  The  means  to  this  end — Faith  and  Obedience, 
ii.  Even  these  simple  truths  were  often  perverted  and 

misinterpreted, 
iii.  God  at  last  gave  His  full  revelation  to  man,  through 

Jesus  Christ,  the  long-promised  Redeemer, 
iv.  The  chief  offices  of  this  Saviour  were  : 

a.  To  redeem  men  from  sin  and  Satan. 

b.  To   enlighten  their   minds  with  the  truths  of 

eternity, 
v.  To  this  end,  God  chose  a  new  people — His  Church. 

a.  It  likewise  multiplied  over  the  face  of  the  earth. 

b.  It  receives  ministers  and  miraculous  favours. 

c.  Of  this  Church,  we  are  members,  who  must  be 

ever  grateful  for,  and  profit  by,  the  mercies 
here  bestowed. 

d.  Pray  God  that  this  people  may  increase,  through 

worthy  converts  being  added  to  the  Church. 


202  SERMON  PLANS 


101.     THE  SPIRITUAL  COMBAT. 

"The  flesh  lusteth  against  the  spirit."     Gal.  v.  17. 

i.  From  the  day  of  the  Fall,  man's  life  is  a  warfare : 
Job  vii.  i. 

a.  The  spirit  and  the  flesh  ever  opposing  each  other. 

b.  The  soul  tending  upwards,  the  body  dragging 

downwards. 

ii.  Yet  Heaven  is  a  prize,  worth  the  battle  of  a  lifetime, 
iii.  Consider  two  points  of  this  unending  struggle. 

Our  Enemies: 

i.  S.  Paul  says  they  are  manifest  and  well-known  : 

The  works  of  the  flesh,  as  opposed  to  those  of  the 

spirit, 
ii.  He  enumerates  some,  which  may  be  classed  under 

a.  Self-indulgence :  e.g.  uncleanness,  drunkenness. 

b.  Impiety :  e.g.  idolatry,  witchcrafts. 

c.  Irascible  appetite :  e.g.  enmities,  quarrels. 

iii.  They  will  assault  us,  till  we  draw  our  last  breath : 

a.  In  all  times  and  places. 

b.  The  more  perhaps,  the  more  we  love  God. 

c.  Taking  advantage  of  creatures,  to  deceive  us. 

d.  Varying,  according  to  characters  and  disposi- 

tions, 
iv.  In  permitting  this,  God  has  ends  in  view : 

a.  Trials  make  us  more  active  and  careful. 

b.  Temptation  tends  to  strengthen  our  virtue. 

As  storms  strengthen  the  oak. 

c.  Dangers  teach  us  our  weakness  and  our  need  of 

God. 

d.  Otherwise,  we  may  become  tepid  and  slothful. 

Seamen  sleep  in  the  calm,  but  watch  in  the 

tempest. 

v.  Hence  be  not  discouraged,  but   accept   the   helps 
offered,  viz. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  203 

Our  Helps : 

i.  The  Holy  Ghost,  who 

a.  In  Baptism, 

1.  Gives  us  sanctifying  grace. 

2.  Infuses  the  moral  virtues. 

b.  In  Confirmation, 

1.  Renews  and  strengthens  them  for  greater 

trials. 

2.  Gives  also  His  twelve  fruits.     (Epistle.) 
ii.   Prayer  to  God 

a.  Who   usually   gives    help    only   in    answer   to 

petitions. 
Hence  daily  devotions,  ejaculations. 

b.  Who  will  not  suffer  us  to  have  too  great  trials  : 

i  Cor.  x.  13. 

iii.  Penance  and  Holy  Eucharist,  sources  of  strength, 
iv.  Avoidance  of  dangerous  occasions  :  Ecclus.  iii.  27. 

a.  God  will  not  help  those  who  help  not  themselves. 

b.  At  least  making  dangers  remote,  by  due  pre- 

cautions, 
v.  Lively  Faith 

a.  In  the  great  truths  of  salvation. 

b.  In  the  happiness  and  misery  of  eternity. 

c.  Leading  us  to  renounce  the  transitory  things  of 

earth. 

vi.  Such   helps   had   the   Saints,  in  fighting  the  same 
enemies. 

In  Conclusion :  we  must  know  that 
i.  If  the  Devil  cannot  lead  us  into  sin, 

a.  He  will  try  to  discourage  us ;  or, 

b.  Will  cloud  the  soul  with  trouble  and  anxiety ;  or, 

c.  Will  endeavour  to  make  us  scrupulous. 

ii.  These  are  dangerous  delusions,  sometimes  fatal : 

a.  Preventing  us  making  progress. 

b.  Perhaps  forcing  us  to  give  up  religion  altogether, 
iii.  We  must  use  the  Helps  given  us,  as  the  Saints  have 

done  before  us. 


204  SERMON   PLANS 


102.     RELIGIOUS   SECTS. 

"  Dissensions,  sects."     Gal.  v.  20. 

i.  S.  Paul  to-day  condemns  disputes  in  religion,  heresies, 
ii.  There   are   nearly   300   religious   denominations    in 

England  alone ! 

iii.  Of  these  the  Catholic  Church  differs  from  all,  in  one 
essential  point: 

a.  Their  rule  of  faith  is :  the  Bible  and  private 

interpretation. 

b.  Hers,   the   Bible   interpreted    by   an    infallible 

guide. 

Arguments  against  the  Protestant  theory: 

i.  Christ  never  wrote  a  line  for  His  Church — a  strange 
thing,  if  He  meant  men's  religion   to  depend  on 
personal  interpretations  of  documents, 
ii.  Christ  commanded  His  Apostles  to  teach  and  preach  : 

Mth.  xxviii.  19. 

But  never  once  to  commit  anything  to  writing, 
iii.  Christ  never  said 

a.  "  If  a  man  read  not  the  Scriptures  "  :  but, 

"  If  he  will  not  hear  the  Church."  Mth.  xviii.  17. 

b.  "  Whoso  follows  the  Scriptures,  follows  Me  "  :  but 

"  He  that  heareth  you>  heareth  Me."  Lke.  x.  16. 

c.  And :  "  Faith  cometh  by  hearing."     Rom.  x.  17. : 

not,  by  reading. 

iv.  Few  Apostles  only  ever  wrote  anything  in  the  Bible  : 
And    then,  only    through   circumstances,  and   to 

parts  of  the  Church. 

v.  The  very  form  of  the  Bible  shows  it  is  not  a  text- 
book of  doctrine. 
It  contains  no  methodical  statement  of  teaching  in 

regular  sequence. 

vi.  The  entire  Bible  was  not  complete  for  generations : 

S.John's  Gospel  and  Apocalypse  written  about  A. 0.96. 

vii.  Hundreds  of  years  passed,  before  its  scattered  parts 

were  brought  together. 

Thus  no  one  could  see  them  all,  unless  greatly 
travelled. 


ON   THE   EPISTLES  205 

viii.  Even  when    brought   together  in  one  volume,  few 
could  obtain  it. 

a.  Printing  and  paper  were  not  yet  invented. 

b.  The  only  thing  to  do  would  be  to  copy  it  out 

(in,  say,  5  years),  and  at  immense  cost. 
Religion,  so  long  dependent  on  such  means,  is 

not  that  of  Christ, 
ix.  For  many  ages,  excepting  the  Clergy,  not   i   in  500 

could  read. 
The  rest  could,  then,  have  no  rule  of  faith,  no  path 

of  salvation. 
x.  Christ  prayed  for  unity  of  faith  among  His  disciples  : 

a.  The  "  Bible  only  "  is  cause  of  "  dissensions  and 

sects ; "  for 

b.  Honest  and  able  men  draw  opposite  conclusions 

from  it. 
What  then  of  the  less  honest  and  less  able  ! 

Further  Difficulties: 

i.  The  history  of  the  Bible  : 

a.  It   was   written   by   different   men,  and   under 

different  circumstances. 

b.  Not   before  the  4th  c.  did  the  Church  declare 

the  Canon  of  Scripture. 

c.  In  this,  the  Church  was  either  fallible,  or  not : 

1.  If  fallible,  she  might   err,  and  we  are  not 

sure  of  the  Bible. 

2.  If  infallible,  we  must  listen,  accept  and  obey, 
ii.  The  Interpretation  of  the  Bible  : 

a.  However    holy,   it    is    useless,    if    interpreted 

against  its  real  meaning. 

Yet  this   is    inevitable,   unless    there    be   an 
infallible  interpreter :  for, 

b.  It  is  not  easy  to  understand  it. 

The  Queen's  eunuch  :  Acts  viii.  31. 
S.  Peter's  declaration  :  2  Pet.  iii.  16. 

Conclusion  : 

i.  There  can  be  but  one  true  Church,  one  fold:  Jn.  x.  16. 
ii.  If  Unity  be  essential,  what  is  the  bond  of  union  ? 

The  infallible  Church,  maintaining  unity  among 

its  members, 
iii.  Therefore  does  the  Apostle  condemn  all  "dissensions." 


206  SERMON  PLANS 


103.  BEARING  ONE  ANOTHER'S  BURDENS. 

"  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens."     Gal.  vi.  2. 

i.  Such  the  advice  of  S.  Paul,  a  very  apostle  of  charity, 
ii.   If  only  followed  by  men,  how  different  the  world 

would  be ! 
iii.  See  how  we  can  put  it  into  practice. 

Bearing  others'  burdens:  e.g. 

i.  Differences  of  character ; 

a.  Often  a  source  of  uncharitableness  and  unhap- 

piness. 

b.  Examples: 

1.  The  phlegmatic  with  the  choleric. 

2.  The  gentle  with  the  impatient. 

3.  The  active  with  the  slothful. 

c.  In  the  same  house,  same  office,  etc. 

d.  In  all,  let  each  one  bear  with  the  other, 
ii.  Various  troubles : 

a.  Such  as  sickness,  cares,  poverty,  etc. 

b.  They  may  affect  ourselves,  also.     Yet, 

c .  Bear  one  another's  burdens :  e.g.  by 

1.  Sympathy  in  trials.* 

2.  Encouragement  in  difficulty. 

3.  Assistance  in  poverty, 
iii.  Especially,  temptation  and  sin  : 

a.  Sin,  tJie  great  burden  of  all. 

1.  Oppressing  a  neighbour,  and  exposing  him 

to  fall  again. 

2.  Like  a  beast,  falling  under  his  load. 

b.  Sin  of  apostasy  here  specially  implied.     Yet, 

c.  Any  sin,  of  which  we  know  a  neighbour  guilty. 


ON  THE   EPISTLES  207 


d.  Bear  one  another's  burden  :  i.e. 

1.  Instruct  him  in  the  spirit  of  meekness. 

2.  Remind  him  charitably  of  his  fault : 

Avoiding  all  painful  rebuke. 

3.  Urge  him  to  sorrow  and  repentance. 

e.  Taking  it,  as  it  were,  on  your  own  shoulders, 

that  he  may  rise. 
As  you  relieve  a  fallen  animal,  that  he  may 

get  up. 
/.  Bear  also  such  burdens,  especially  by 

1.  Prayer  for  his  conversion. 

2.  Acts  of  penance,  by  way  of  expiation. 

As  Christ  did  in  our  regard :  Is.  liii.  4. 
iv.  If  we  thus  bear  with  others,  we  shall  find  others  bear 
with  us. 

A  sign  of  perfection. 

i.  Sympathy  and  forbearance,  proofs  of  strong  robust 

virtue. 

"So  you  shall  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ."     Gal.  vi.  2. 
ii.  Contempt  and  condemnation  of  neighbours,  usually 

a  sign  of  some  hidden  sin. 

iii.  Charity,  "  the  Queen  of  virtues,"  is  not  puffed  up, 
thinketh  no  evil,  endureth  all  things :   i  Cor.  xiii. 

Lessons : 

i.  Show  this  Christian  charity  to  a  neighbour,  under 

his  burden,  spiritual  or  temporal, 
ii.  Put  kindly  interpretations  on  his  acts,  or  intentions, 

and  allow  for  circumstances. 

iii.  Thus  shall  we  tend  to  lighten  his  burden.     While, 
iv.  Whoso  freely  carps  at  another's  faults  will  often  be 

found  guilty  of  the  same  ! 


*  Next  to  love,  sympathy  is  the  divinest  passion  of  the  human  heart. 
He  who  cannot  weep  for  his  neighbour's  trouble,  cannot  console  him 
for  it. 


208  SERMON  PLANS 


104.     SUPPORT  OF   PASTORS. 

"  Let  him  that  is  instructed  .   .  .  communicate  ...  in  all  good 
things."    Gal.  vi.  6. 

i.  Support  of  the  Clergy  has  ever  been  considered  a 

duty  of  the  Faithful, 
ii.  S.  Paul  here  lays  down  the  precept, 
iii.  This  principle  is  based  on  three  grounds :  viz. 

I.  Justice: 

i.  To   attend    to   the    ministry,   the    priest   does    not 

engage  in  trade. 

Yet  he  must  live,  as  other  men  must, 
ii.  The   Faithful   receive   spiritual    blessings,    through 

his  ministrations. 

The  Holy  Sacrifice :  the  Sacraments :  Instructions, 
iii.  The  Priest  sacrifices  time,  health  and  strength,  and 

even  life  for  his  people. 

iv.  It  is  therefore  simple  justice  that  they  support  their 
Pastor. 

"  Who  feedeth   the   flock,   and  eateth  not  the   milk   of  the 
flock."     i  Cor.  ix.  7. 

v.  To  support  their  own    Pastor,  whatever  they  may 
do  for  others  elsewhere. 

II.  The  Command  of  God: 

i.  Seen  in  Holy  Writ :  in  word  and  example  : 

"Give  them  their  portion  of  the  first-fruits."      Ecclus.  vii.  34. 
"The  workman  is  worthy  of  his  meat."     Mth.  x.  10. 
"They  that  serve  the  altar  partake  with  the  altar."    I  Cor  ix.  13. 
"They  who  preach  the  Gospel  should    live  by  the  Gospel." 
i  Cor.  ix.  14. 

Our  Lord  accepted  the  necessaries  of   life  from 

the  people. 

He  eat  with  Matthew  the  Publican  :  Mth.  ix.  10. 
He  accepted  the  hospitality  of  Martha  and  Mary  : 

Lke.  x.  38. 
ii.  In  the  Old  Law,  cities  and  lands  were  set  apart  for 

the  maintenance  of  the  Levites :  Jos.  xxi.  2. 
iii.  The  Levites  were  entitled  to  first-fruits  and  tithes: 
Numb,  xviii. :  Deut.  xviii. 


ON   THE   EPISTLES  209 

iv.  In  the  New  Law,  the  same  existed  in  the  early  ages. 

Lands,  etc.,   were  given  for  the  support  of    the 

Clergy. 
v.  In  England,  their  confiscation  in  the  i6th  c.  renewed 

the  need  of  other  means  of  support.* 

III.  The  Command  of  the  Church : 

i.  We  are  bound  to  support  our  parents  in  their  need, 

4th  Comdt.  of  God. 

ii.  In  like  manner,  our  spiritual  fathers,  the  Clergy, 
iii.  Hence  the  fifth  command  of  the  Church  does  but 

develop  the  fourth  command  of  the  Decalogue, 
iv.  Neglect   of  this   duty   is   thus   really   a   sin   crying 
vengeance  :  Jas.  v.  4. 

"  The  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  hire."     Lke.  x.  7. 
v.  Command  too  often  neglected  nowadays. 

Through  the  spirit  of  independence,  contempt,  or 
indifference.     Hence : 

Resolution  to  fulfil  henceforth  this  duty  :  e.g.  by 

i.  Paying  door-pence  or  seat-rents  : 

Not  as  an   alms,  but  as   just   payment   for   fair 

value, 
ii.  Contributing  to   the    Offertory,   according   to   one's 

means, 
iii.  Giving 

a.  Honoraria  for  Masses. 

b.  Stole-fees,  e.g.  at  Baptisms,  Marriages,  etc. 
iv.  Joining  the  Altar  Society. 

v.  Taking  a  share  in  the  mission  burdens, 
vi.  Such  liberality  to  His  ministers  is  pleasing  to  God. 
The  widow  of  Sarephta :  3  Kgs.  xvii. 
The  widow's  mite  :  Mrk.  xii.  43. 

vii.  Generosity  of  the  kind  never  impoverishes ;  it  brings 
a  blessing  with  it. 


*  Our  Catholic  forefathers  were  full  of  a  generous  zeal  to  secure 
by  endowments  the  services  of  a  permanent  priesthood  and  to  provide 
for  the  competent  and  splendid  celebration  of  the  divine  worship.  A 
considerable  part  of  the  provision  thus  made  was  confiscated  and 
squandered  during  the  Reformation  ;  what  remained  was  transferred  to 
the  Anglican  body,  and  is  still  enjoyed  by  them. — Cath.  Diet. 

O 


SERMON  PLANS 


105.     GOD,  THE  CREATOR  OF   ALL. 

"Of  whom  all  paternity  ...  is  named."     Eph.  iii.  15. 

i.  Words  denoting  God  as  sole  author  and  creator  of 

all  things. 

ii.  They  refute  the  Gnostics,  who  held  there  were  many 
principles  of  existence. 

God  created  all  things: 

i.  Brought  all  things  forth  from  nothing,  by  His  only 
word. 

"  He  spoke  and  they  were  made  :  He  commanded  and  they 

were  created."     Ps.  cxlviii.  5. 
"All  things  were  made  by  Him."    Jn.  i.  3. 

ii.  Before  Creation,  God  alone  existed. 

a.  From  all  eternity :  overpowering  thought ! 

b.  Infinitely    happy  in   Himself    and   His    divine 

Perfections. 

c.  Having  no  need  whatever  of  creatures. 

iii.  God  created,  for  His  own  honour  and  glory  :  i.e. 

a.  To  be  known  and  praised  by  His  creatures. 

b.  This  is  only  His  due,  and  is  sought  in  a  due 

manner. 

"  I  have  created  him  for  My  glory."     Is.  xliii.  7. 
"The     Lord     hath     made     all    things     for    Himself." 
Prov.  xvi.  4. 

iv.  God   also   preserves    His   creation,  His   Providence 
watching  over  it. 

"He    upholdeth    all    things    by  the    word    of   His    power." 

Heb.  i.  3. 
"By  Him  all  things  consist."     Col.  i.  17. 

v.  Examples  of  God's  power   and    dominion  over  all 

things : 
a.  Of  many  kinds  :  e.g. 

Changing  the  rivers  into  blood :  Ex.  vii.  20. 
Dividing  the  water  of  the  sea:  Ex.  xiv.  21. 
Giving  water  from  the  rock :  Ex.  xvii.  6. 
Protection  amid  the  flames:  Dan.  iii. 
Raising    the    dead    to     life :      Mth.    ix.    25 ; 
Lke.  vii.  15. 


OAT   THE  EPISTLES  21  r 

b.  Truly  God  alone  is  mighty,  "  King  of  kings,  and 

Lord  of  lords."     i  Tim.  vi.  15. 

c.  This  infinite  power,  a  comfort  to  the  Saints,  as 

it  should  be  to  us. 
vi.  God  could  destroy  the  universe. 

a.  All  creatures  have  their  being  from  God. 

b.  He   is  thus  sole  master,  and  there  is  none  to 

resist  Him. 

c.  He  could  therefore  destroy,  as  He  can  create, 
vii.  Besides    the   visible   world,  God    also    created    the 

Angels. 

a.  Pure  spirits  with  intelligence  and  free-will. 

b.  Created  in  the  state  of  grace,  in  Heaven. 

c.  In  a  hierarchy  of  order — the  nine  Choirs. 

d.  Large  numbers  fell  from  grace,  and  are  lost  for 

ever. 

e.  Of  those  that  remained  faithful,  some  given  as 

guardians  to  men. 
viii.  Last  of  all,  God  created  Man. 

a.  To  His  own  image  and  likeness :  Gen.  i.  27. 

b.  The  Body,  from  the  slime  of  the  earth  :  Gen.  ii.  7. 

c.  The  Soul,  a  spiritual  substance,  direct  from  His 

hands. 

d.  In  the  state  of  justice  in  Eden. 

e.  This  happiness  lost  by  Adam's  sin. 
/.  Redemption  of  man  by  Jesus  Christ. 

g.  Destined,  and  now  able  again,  to  live  for  ever 
with  God. 

Lessons : 

i.  Reverential  Fear  of  God  almighty. 

"  Who  can  destroy  both  soul  and  body  into  Hell."   Mth.  v.  28. 
ii.  Unbounded  Trust  in  His  power. 

iii.  Gratitude  for  our  creation,  the  ground  of  all  God's 
benefits,* 


*  A  beautiful  tradition  among  the  Jews  says  that  when  God  had 
created  the  world,  He  asked  the  Angels  what  they  thought  of  His 
work ;  and  one  replied  that  it  was  so  vast  and  perfect,  that  only 
one  thing  seemed  wanting — a  clear,  mighty  and  harmonious  voice 
which  should  incessantly  fill  all  quarters  of  the  world,  to  offer 
thanksgiving  to  its  Maker  for  His  blessings.  So  should  our  gratitude 
be  ever  living  and  fresh  in  the  heart. — Faber. 


2ia  SERMON  PLANS 


106.     LENGTH,   ETC.   OF   GOD'S   LOVE. 

"The  breadth  and  length  and  height  and  depth."     Eph.  iii.  18. 

i.  The  Apostle  prays  that  we  may  have  a  full  sense  of 
the  infinite  goodness  of  God,  in  these  its  four 
dimensions. 

ii.  Consider  it  to-day,  under  these  four  heads. 

I.  Length  of  God's  love :  its  eternal  duration. 

i.  What  an  honour,  had  God  loved  us  from  the  day  of 

our  birth  only ! 
ii.  Still  greater  honour,  if  from  the  beginning  of  time ! 

But, 
iii.  God's  love  of  us  has  been  eternal : 

0.  His   knowledge   and   love  are  as  essential   as 
Himself. 

b.  What   He  loves  in  time,  He  has  loved  from 

eternity. 

c.  From  all   eternity   He  decreed   our   existence, 

and   all   the   effects  of    His   love,   we   have 
ever  experienced. 

iv.  What  an  amazing  idea  this  gives  of  God's  love — its 
eternal  duration. 

"  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love."    Jer.  xxxi.  3. 

II.  Breadth  of  God's  love :  the  extent  of  its  effects 

in  the  natural  order  :  e.g. 
i.  Giving  us  existence,  the  foundation  for  every  good. 

a.  In  preference  to  thousands  of  possible  beings. 

b.  Without  any  merit  on  our  part. 

c.  Even  with  reasons  against  it — our  sins  foreseen  : 

Ecclus.  xxxix.  24. 
ii.  Preserving  our  existence : 

a.  Giving  us  all  we  need,  for  soul  and  body. 

b.  In  spite  of  our  continued  sin  and  ingratitude. 

c.  Offering  time  and  opportunity  for  repentance, 
iii.  The  universe  for  our  benefit  and  welfare : 

0.  Sun,  moon,  etc. :    the  elements :   goods  of  the 
world. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  213. 

b.  Inequality  of  distribution,  through  some  bene- 

ficent design. 

c.  Command  laid  upon  all  to  love  us. 

iv.  Spiritual  protectors  to  each  one,  the  Guardian  Angels, 
v.  What  ample  grounds  for  admiration  and  gratitude — 
the  breadth  of  God's  love ! 

III.  Height   of    God's    love :   the   excellence   of   His 

supernatural  gifts. 
i.  These  bestow  on  us  a  new  spiritual  dignity. 

a.  Making  us  friends  and  children  of  God. 

b.  Making  us  "  partakers  of  the  divine  nature." 

2  Pet.  i.  4. 
ii.  They  give  us  a  title  to  God's    Kingdom  of  glory 

hereafter. 

Joys  without  compare,  and  eternal ! 
iii.  Yet  not  all  men  reach  that  Kingdom.     But, 

a.  To  us,  what  graces  are  given,  above  many ! 

b.  Why  to  us,  and  not  to  the  Pagans  ? 

c.  What  our  doom,  if  the  faith  were  not  ours ! 
iv.  How  great,  again,  our  obligations  to  God. 

How  many  thousands  might   have  made   better 
use  of  His  gifts  than  we ! 

IV.  Depth  of  God's  love :  His  humiliations  to  secure 

us  grace. 
i.  The  strongest  love,  when  despised,  oft  turns  to  hate. 

a.  Where  is  love  equal  to  God's  (supra]  ? 

b.  How  often  repaid  by  sin  ! 

ii.  Might  we  not  expect  instant  justice,  as  with  the  Angels  ? 

Yet  God  submits  to  outrage,  and  waits  to  have 

mercy  :  Is.  xxx.  18. 
iii.  His  divine  Son  degrades  Himself  for  our  redemption. 

Poverty  and  labour,  suffering  and  death  ! 
iv.  His  solicitude  to  continue  and  extend  His  graces. 

Especially  in  the  lowly  form  of  Holy  Eucharist, 
v.  Could  God's  love  go  lower  and  deeper  than  it  did  ! 

Consider  thus  the  length  and  breadth,  the  height  and 

depth  of  the  Divine  love. 

"  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  of  the  wisdom  of  God."  Rom.  xi.  33. 
The  gratitude  of  Tobias  an  example  to  us :  Tob.  xii. 


ai4  SERMON  PLANS 


107.     EXCLUSIVE  SALVATION. 

"One  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism."     Eph.  iv.  5. 

i.  Nothing  so  excites  hostility  against  the  Church  as 

her  doctrine  of  exclusive  salvation, 
ii.  She  is  accused  of  intolerance  in  holding  it. 
iii.  Consider  then  this  doctrine,  and  its  exact  meaning. 

True: 

i.  To  be  saved,  we  must 

a.  Believe  all  that  Christ  taught ;  and 

b.  Do  all  that  He  commanded. 

ii.  Only  in  the  Catholic  Church,  is  the  full  teaching  of 
Christ  to  be  found. 

The  Sects  mutilate,  or  misinterpret,  His  doctrines, 
iii.  Hence  outside  this  Church,  there  is  no  salvation 

As  outside  the  ark,  none  were  saved, 
iv.  Thus  Indifferentism  stands  condemned,  which  holds 

a.  All  religions  are  equally  good  ;  and 

b.  It  matters  not  which  one  we  follow. 

v.  "  Exclusive  Salvation  "  may  sound  harsh  and  hard. 

a.  Yet,  if  it  be  true,  it  must  be  accepted.* 

b.  If  2  -H  2  =  4,  all  other  totals  must  be  excluded. 

Necessary : 

i.  The  Catholic  Church,  professing  to  be  the  Church  of 
God,  would  stultify  herself,  if  she  did   not  make 
this  claim, 
ii.  Such  claim  is  often  called  intolerance.     Yet, 

a.  Intolerance   is  the  general  law  of    all  that   is 

stable:  e.g. 

Gravitation   is  intolerant :  build  a  wall  out  of 
plumb,  and  it  falls. 

b.  So  is  it  with  Truth  : 

1.  Error  destroys  the  very  idea  of  truth. 

2.  Therefore  is  truth  intolerant  of  error. 

c.  In   this  sense  only,  is  the  Church    intolerant, 
iii.  But  her  intolerance  does  not  imply  persecution. 

a.  Individuals  have  sometimes  resorted  to  it :    but, 

b.  The  Church  never  approves,  always  condemns  it. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  215 

Reasonable : 

i.  Only   in    the  Catholic   Church    is   the  Sacrifice   of 

Redemption  offered. 

Only  there  can  its  saving  graces  be  obtained, 
ii.  They   alone   receive   the   salary   that   work   in    the 

vineyard  of  the  Lord. 

iii.  A  member  separated  from  the  body  cannot  have  life. 
iv.  Reason  alone  tells  us  that  God  can  mark  out  the 
path  by  which  He  wills  men  to  reach  salvation. 
This  He  has  done  in  establishing  His  Church, 
v.  Hence,  outside  this,  there  is  no  salvation. 

Meaning : 

i.  Those    only   who    are   sacramentally  baptized    are 

visibly  members  of  the  Church  :  but, 
ii.  Baptism  of  Blood,  or  of  Desire,  makes  us  members 

before  God. 
Such,  by  innocent  life,  or  by  repentance,  may  be 

saved, 
iii.  Unless  we  are  thus  in  some  way  members  of  the 

Church,  we  can  never  see  God. 
iv.  All  who  are  in  the  Church  are  not  necessarily  saved. 

a.  In  the  ark  were  animals  clean  and  unclean,  the 

latter  rejected. 

b.  So,    even    in   the   true    Church,    they   will    be 

rejected  who  die  in  mortal  sin. 

Conclusion : 

i.  With  this  explanation,  "  Exclusive  Salvation  "  is  less 
harsh  than  it  sounds. 

a.  Every  doctrine  needs  explanation.     But, 

b.  Whatever  we  may  feel,  we  must  hold  to  this, 

because  it  is  true. 

ii.  Gratitude  for  our  Baptism,  and  the  true  Faith, 
iii.  Prayer  that  they  may  be  given  to  many  others  also, 
iv.  Anxiety  to  secure  early  Baptism  to  Infants. 


*  Some  truths  are  hard  to  hear.  It  is  a  hard  thing,  very  hard, 
that,  owing  to  a  simple  false  step,  a  man  falls  over  the  precipice, 
and  is  dashed  to  pieces  :  very  hard,  but  true,  all  the  same. 


2i6  SERMON  PLANS 


108.     UNITY   OF   FAITH. 

"One  Faith."     Eph.  iv.  5. 

i.  The  Apostle  urges  his  converts  to  union  and  charity, 
ii.  He  bases  his  appeal  on  their  unity  of  Faith, 
iii.  This  is  one  of  the  marks  of  the  true  Church. 

Unity  of  Faith  : 

i.  Our  Lord  desired  this  unity  of  Faith  among  His 

disciples  in  every  age  and  place. 
"That  they  may  be  one,  as  we  also  are."    Jn.  xvii.  n. 
ii.  He  did  not,  could  not,  give  two  faiths,  two  opposing 

doctrines. 
God   being   one,  there  can   be   but  one  doctrine 

from  Him. 
iii.  To  secure  this,  Christ  gave  a  practical  and  efficient 

principle  of  union : 
The  principle  of  divine  Authority,  found  in  the 

Catholic  Church  only. 

iv.  The  Church  of  God  is  held  together  by  an  infallible 
Head. 

a.  Bishops,  Priests  and  Laity  are  all  dependent  on 

the  Pope. 

b.  He  is  the  Vicar  of  Christ  on  earth,  in  Faith 

and  Morals. 

c.  If  we  obey  His  authority,  we  retain  the  unity 

of  Faith. 

d.  If  we  proudly  resist  it,  we  are  cast  out  of  the 

Church,  as  rebels, 
v.  This  Unity  of  Faith  implies,  that 

a.  All  members  of  the  Church  believe  everywhere 

the  same  truths. 

b.  Every  age   has  received   and   transmitted  the 

same  deposit  of  faith. 

c.  All  accept  the  same  interpretation  of  Scripture 

and  Tradition. 

d.  All  submit  to  the  same  rule  of  Morals,  flowing 

from  that  teaching. 

e.  Catholics  accept  all  definitions  that  the  Church 

has,  or  may,  put  forth. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  217 

vi.  Does  not  require  explicit  belief  in  every  doctrine. 

a.  This  is  impossible  for  mankind  at  large. 

b.  But  in  certain  leading  dogmas  only. 

vii.  Requires  implicit  belief  in  them  all,  by  all :  i.e. 

A   readiness    of    mind    to    accept   whatever   the 

Church  proposes. 

viii.  The  bond  of  union  among  Protestants  is  the  Bible. 
But  the  principle  of  private  judgment  thereon  is 
a  source  of  disunion. 

Dogma : 

i.  The   precise  enunciation  of   a  divine  truth   by  the 

Church. 
ii.  Defining  a  dogma 

a.  Does  not  imply  a  new  doctrine.*     But, 

b.  Means   making   the  acceptance  of   a   doctrine 

binding  the  consciences  of  all. 

c.  Examples  of  recent  definitions  : 

The  Immaculate  Conception,  in  1854. 
Papal  Infallibility,  in  1870. 

Heresy : 

i.  Is  a  proposition  directly  opposed  to  Faith  :  e.g. 
Arianism,  5th  c.  denial  of  Christ's  Divinity, 
ii.  To  be  a  heretic  is  always  a  grave  misfortune,  be  it 

formal,  or  even  material  only. 

iii.  Heretics  do  not  belong  to  the  Body  of  the  Church, 
and  receive  not  the  spiritual  advantages  of  members, 
iv.  If  they  die,  wilfully  separated  from  the  Church,  they 
are  lost. 

Lessons : 

i.  Prize  and  treasure  the  holy  Faith,  the  great  gift  of 

God. 
ii.  Dogma  the  source  of  true  solid  devotion. 

Knowledge  must  precede  love, 
iii.  While  hating  heresy,  compassionate  heretics. 
iv.  Let  your  Faith  be  the  groundwork  of  true  Charity. 

*  The  circulation  of  the  blood  was  not  a  new  fact,  though  only 
discovered  by  Harvey  in  1616.  So,  the  divine  Maternity  of  Mary  was 
not  a  new  doctrine,  when  formally  defined  A.D.  431. 


21 8  SERMON  PLANS 


109.     THANKSGIVING   AND   PRAISE. 

"  I  give  thanks  to  my  God  always."     I  Cor.  i.  4. 
i.  God  is  the  source  of  all  graces  and  blessings  to  men. 

Jas.  i.  17. 

ii.  To  Him  therefore  thanks  and  gratitude  are  due. 
iii.  S.  Paul's  words  remind  us  all  of  a  plain  duty. 

Motives  for  gratitude  and  praise, 
i.  The  example  and  will  of  God. 

a.  As  shown  by  His  commanding  to  the  Jews : 

1.  The  Paschal  Solemnity:  Ex.  xii.  17. 

In  gratitude  for  their  deliverance  from 
Egypt. 

2.  The  Feast  of  Tabernacles :  Lev.  xxiii.  34. 

For  God's  favours  in  the  desert. 

3.  The  Feast  of  Pentecost:  Ex.  xxiii.  16. 

a.  In  memory  of  the  giving  of  the  Law. 
/?.  In  thanksgiving  for  the  harvests. 

b.  As  shown  in  numerous  texts  of  Scripture :  e.g. 

"Bless  the   Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  never  forget  all  He 

hath  done  for  thee."     Ps.  cii.  2. 

"  Giving  thanks  always,  for  all  things."     Eph.  v.  20. 
"  Watching  in  (prayer)  in  thanksgiving."     Col.  iv.  2. 
"  In  all  things,  give  thanks."     I  Thess.  v.  18. 
"  Seven  times  a  day,  I  have  given  praise  to  Thee."     Ps. 

cxviii.  164. 

ii.  The  example  of  Our  Lord  :  c.g. 

a.  At  the  multiplication  of  the  loaves:  Mrk.  viii.  6; 

Jn.  vi.  ii. 

b.  At  the  raising  of  Lazarus:  Jn.  xi.  41. 

c.  At  the  last  supper :  Mth.  xxvi.  27. 

iii.  The  example  of  the  Church  Triumphant,  ever  praising 

God:  Ap.  vii.  12. 
iv.  The  Example  of  the  Church  Militant :  e.g. 

a.  Daily  recitation  of  the  Divine  Office. 

b.  The  Gloria  Patri,  at  the  end  of  the  psalms. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  219 

c.  Deo  gratias,  in  the  Mass  and  Office. 

d.  The  Gloria  in  Excelsis. 

v.  Gratitude,  a  means  of  obtaining  further  favours.* 
vi.  Therefore,  let  us  ever  praise  and  thank  God  for  His 
mercies. 

Subjects  for  thanksgiving  and  praise : 
i.  Blessings  common  to  the  human  race. 
Creation  :  Redemption  :  Providence, 
ii.  Personal  blessings  on  ourselves : 

a.  Faith,  conversion,  vocation. 

b.  Even  trials,  mortifying  our  self-love. 

c.  God's  patience  and  longsuffering. 

iii.  Holy  men  have  praised  God  on  behalf  of  irrational 

creatures. 

An  excellent  practice  of  the  presence  of  God. 
iv.  Even  blessings  given  to  the  damned  who  bless  not 

God. 

v.  For  the  Holy  Eucharist,  as  sacrifice  and  sacrament. 
Itself  a  worthy  thankoffering  to  God,  as  its  name 
implies. 

Practices : 

i.  Have  different  objects  each  day,  for  which  to  praise 

God. 

ii.  Due  thanksgiving  after  Confession  and  Communion. 

Imitate  not  the  ingratitude  of  the  nine :  Lke.  xvii.  1 7. 

iii.  Gratitude   for   every   trifling   mercy,   spiritual    and 

temporal.! 

Even  a  simple  Deo  gratias  from  the  heart, 
iv.  Look  on  God  as  a  loving  father,  then  praise  and 
thanksgiving  will  become  an  easy  practice. 


*  The  gifts  of  grace  cannot  flow  in  us,  because  we  are  ungrateful  to 
the  Giver.  Imitation . — Speak  to  God  in  thanksgiving,  and  you  will  get 
graces  more  and  more  abundantly. — 5.  Bernard. 

+  Be  grateful  for  the  least,  and  thou  shall  be  worthy  to  receive 
greater  things. — Imitation. 


220  SERMON  PLANS 


110.     PERSEVERANCE. 

"  Who  will  confirm  you  unto  the  end."     I  Cor.  i.  8. 

i.  S.JPaul  hopes  God  will   preserve  his  converts  in 

grace  to  the  end. 

ii.  Perseverance  is  God's  gift,  and  a  most  precious  one. 
iii.  A"serious  matter  for  all  of  us,  and  worthy  of  careful 
thought. 

Perseverance : 

i.  Our  continuance  in  virtue  and  God's  love,  until  death, 
ii.  Absolutely  necessary,  if  we  wish  for  salvation. 

"  He  that  shall  persevere  unto  the  end,  he  shall  be  saved." 

Mth.  x.  22. 
"  Be  thou  faithful  until  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  the  crown 

of  life."     Ap.  ii.  10. 

iii.  It    little    avails    to    begin   well,   if    afterwards   we 

renounce  God.* 
iv.  A  special  gift  from  God  alone,  which  we  cannot 

merit,  but  may  confidently  hope  for,  if  we  take 

the  means  to  it :  e.g. 

Means  to  Perseverance :  t 
i.  Daily  fervent  prayer :  for, 

a.  Perseverance  is  essentially  God's  gift. 

b.  God   usually  gives   grace,  only   in   answer   to 

prayer. 

c.  S.  Philip  urged  daily  prayer  to  this  end. 
ii.  Renewal  of  good  intention  : 

a.  Sweetness    of    devotion    usually    accompanies 

beginnings  of  conversion. 

b.  Later  on,  it  often  disappears.     Hence  again, 

c.  S.  Philip  recommended  renewals  of  fervour, 
iii.  Not  to  undertake  too  many  good  works. 

a.  Consider  prudently  what  you  can  do. 

b.  Having  undertaken  it,  don't  give  it  up. 
iv.  True  devotion  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

a.  Even  though  in  small  matters  only. 
Quidquid  minimum,  dummodo  sit  constans.  S.John  Berchmans. 


ON    THE   EPISTLES 


b.  Such  as  Rosary,  Litany,  Hail  Mary,  etc.     But, 

c.  Imitation  of  her  virtues,  the  best  devotion. 

d.  Teach  children,  while  young,  to  love  the  Mother 

of  God. 

e.  The  Saints  declare  this  a  pledge  of  salvation. 
v.  Devotion  to  S.  Joseph,  patron  of  a  happy  death. 

vi.  Charity  to  the  living  and  the  dead. 

a.  Works  of  mercy  gain  many  intercessors  ;  and, 

b.  The  prayer  of  many  cannot  fail  to  be  heard, 
vii.   Holy  Fear  of  God :  which  will  produce 

a.  Deep  humility,  and  distrust  of  self. 

b.  Respect  for  God  and  His  Law. 

c.  Hatred  and  horror  of  sin  ;  and  thus, 

d.  Final  perseverance. 

viii.  Correspondence  with  individual  graces,  which  consti- 
tute the  links  of  the  chain  of  Perseverance. 

Lessons : 

i.  Our  life  is  like  the  pursuit  of  agriculture. 

a.  Its   object    must    be   to   reap   the    harvest   of 

eternal  glory. 

1.  How  perseveringly  the  farmer  toils  on,  in 

spite  of  difficulties. 

2.  So   must   the   Christian    struggle,    despite 

opposition. 

b.  Hope  of  good  harvests  lightens  the  farmer's 

labour. 

c.  Hope  of  eternal  reward  encourages  the  Christian 

to  battle  manfully. 

ii.  Take  the  means  to  perseverance  here  suggested,  and 
the  crown  must  be  yours. 


*  They  that  run  in  the  race,  all  run  indeed,  but  one  receiveth  the 
prize.  So,  all  virtues  tend  to  the  possession  of  God's  eternal  Kingdom ; 
for  instance,  contempt  of  the  world,  love  of  poverty,  obedience, 
patience,  and  the  rest ;  but  perseverance  alone  receives  the  crown. 

t  Like  prudent  and  experienced  travellers,  let  us  make  such 
provision  for  our  journey  through  the  desert  of  this  world,  as  will 
prevent  us  from  fainting  on  the  way,  and  take  such  precautions,  as 
will  secure  us  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies.— Perry. 


SERMON   PLANS 


111.      LYING. 

"  Putting  away  lying,  speak  ye  the  truth."     Eph.  iv.  25. 

i.  This  lesson  not  sufficiently  impressed  on  the  minds 

of  many, 
ii.  Examine  therefore  the  subject,  in  the  presence  of 

the  God  of  truth. 
The  nature  of  lies,  and  their  guilt. 

Lies: 

i.  Words   or   signs    against   the    truth,   to   deceive   a 

neighbour. 
To  say  an  untruth,  believing  it  true,  is  not  a  lie, 

but  an  error, 
ii.  The  devil  told  the  first  lie  in  the  Garden  of  Eden  : 

Gen.  iii.  4. 

Hence  called  the  "  father  of  lies :  "  Jn.  viii.  44. 
iii.  Kinds  of  lies : 

a.  Jocose :  spoken  to  please,  and  hurting  no  one. 

b.  Officious :  hurting  no  one,  but  intended  to  be  of 

service. 

Sarah,  saying  she  did  not  laugh  :  Gen.  xviii.  15. 
The  Egyptian  midwives  to  Pharao:  Ex.  i.  19. 

c.  Malicious :  injurious  to  God  and  man. 

The  devil,  speaking  to  Eve :  Gen.  iii.  4. 
The  woman  before  Solomon  :  3  Kgs.  iii.  20. 
S.  Peter's  denial  of  Our  Lord  :  Mth.  xxv.  72. 
The  Scribes,  at  the  Resurrection  :  Mth.  xxviii. 
iv.  Are  obstacles  to  the  current  of  free  communication 
and  progress  among  men. 

Guilt  of  lying  seen  thus : 

i.  A  lie  is  a  direct  attack  on  God,  who  is  Truth  itself, 
ii.  God  gave  us  speech,  to  make  our  thoughts  known 

to  others. 

Lying  goes  directly  against  this  end. 
iii.  Lying   does   injury   to  our   neighbour,  who   has  a 
right  that  we  should  not  deceive  him.* 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  223 

iv.  Lies  bring  disgrace  on  him  who  utters  them. 

"  A  lie  is  a  foul  blot  in  a  man."     Ecclus.  xx.  26. 

a.  It  is  a- reproach  to  be,  and  to  be  called,  a  liar. 

b.  A  lie  implies  cowardice,  meanness,  etc. :  and, 

c.  A  man   must    have  regard  for  his  reputation. 

For, 

"  A  good  name  is  better  than  great  riches."     Prov.  xxii.  I. 
v.  Lying  is  strongly  reprobated  in  Holy  Scripture  : 

'  Thou  shall  fly  lying."     Ex.  xxiii.  7. 

1  Lying  lips  are  an  abomination  to  the  Lord."    Prov.  xii.  22. 
1  Thou  will  destroy  all  that  speak  a  lie."     Ps.  v.  7. 
'The  mouth  that  belieth  killeth  the  soul."     Wisd.  i.  n. 
'  Lie  not  one  to  another."     Col.  iii.  9. 

vi.  Thus  a  lie  is  never  lawful,  no  matter  for  what  end.f 
We  may  not  do  evil  that  good  may  come. 
Rom.  iii.  8. 

vii.  The  degree  of  guilt  will  vary  according  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  case :  (e.g.  injustice,  scandal, 
perjury,  sacrilege). 

Lessons : 

i.  Detestation  of  this  vice  of  lying,  and  circumspection 

to  avoid  it. 
ii.  Teach  children,  so  prone  to  lies,  the  duty  of  strict 

truthfulness. 

iii.  Avoid  that  specially  hateful  form  of  lie — calumny, 
iv.  Reparation  is  due  for  the  evils  that  flow  from  lying, 
v.  Try  to  raise  the  degraded  tone  of  the  world,  by  rigid 

integrity  and  candour. 


*  S.  Andrew  Avellino,  in  pleading  a  cause,  allowed  a  lie  to  escape 
him,  though  of  no  great  weight.  On  reading  in  Scripture  that  the 
mouth  that  lieth  killeth  the  soul,  he  was  so  struck  with  remorse,  that  he 
resolved  at  once  to  renounce  his  career  in  the  law  ;  he  gave  himself  up 
to  a  penitential  life,  and  to  the  spiritual  care  of  souls. — His  Life: 
Nov.  10. 

t  God,  who  is  truth  itself,  can  never  approve  any  kind  of  lying ; 
nor  can  anything  be  more  destructive  of  civil  society  and  commerce, 
than  that  doctrine  which  allows  it  by  principle.  It  would  be  more 
eligible  to  live  among  dumb  persons,  than  in  a  nation  of  liars. — 
Butler. 


224 


SERMON  PLANS 


112.     SOCIALISM. 

"Let  him  now  steal  no  moie."     Eph.  iv.  28. 

Seventh  Commandment : 

i.  The  only  true  basis  of  right  in  property,  right  divine. 

a.  Whatever  a  man  lawfully  has,  he  has  from  God. 

b.  He   may  think   to   have   it  through   talent  or 

industry. 

c.  Yet  God  gives  the  talent,  and  blesses  the  effort, 
ii.  Hence  the  hatefulness  of  theft  before  God,  as  being 

a.  A  rebellion  against  His  Providence. 

b.  An  effort  to  overturn  the  order  by  Him  estab- 

lished. 
iii.  This  right  in  property  implies  the  duty  of  respecting  it : 

Ex.  xx.  15. 
iv.  Communism  holds  that 

a.  There  is  no  God  but  Nature. 

b.  The  evils  of  the  day  arise  from  social  inequalities. 

c.  Nature  never  intended 

1.  Some  to  be  masters,  rich  and  idle ;  and, 

2.  Others  to  be  servants,  poor  and  slaves. 

d.  Ownership  is  the  most  fatal  of  errors.     Hence, 

e.  Community  of  goods  must  be  established,  which 

1.  Is  opposed  to  reason  and  nature. 

2.  Means  theft  and  pillage. 

Hence  its  condemnation. 
v.  Perfect  Communism  can  only  exist  in  Religion,  where 

a.  Members  voluntarily  renounce  their  possessions, 

b.  Celibacy   exists,   and    no   family    wants    need 

providing  for. 

Socialism  is  Communism  under  state  control :  e.g. 
i.  All  men  are  equal  and  deserve  equal  treatment. 

a.  True  in  the  abstract :  as  to  Creator,  Law,  End. 

b.  Hence  all  must  be  treated  as  men,  and  have  the 

necessaries  of  life. 

c.  But,  in  the  concrete,  men  do  vary,  so  also  their 

rights  and  duties : 
Especially  man  and  woman, 
ii.  The  Community  is  absolutely  supreme : 

a.  All  must  share  in  production  for  the  common 
good. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  225 

b.  Each    one   must   seek   the   good   of   the    com- 

munity first. 

c.  This  a  pagan  idea  of  the  State, 

1.  Excluding  personal  rights  and  possessions. 

2.  Denying  the  high  idea  of  man's  end. 
iii.  Yet  gradations  of  social  rank  must  exist :  e.g. 

a.  Ignorant    persons   exist,    hence   also    teachers, 

with  different  rights. 

b.  Yet  Socialism  would  make  all  men  fit  for  all 

work. 

Which  is  absurd  ;  though  a  logical  conclusion, 
iv.  The  equality  of  Socialism  is  unnatural  and  cannot 
last. 

a.  Remember    the    differences    in    men — mental, 

moral,  physical. 

b.  These  result  in  differences  of  honour,  influence, 

wealth,  etc. 

c.  Violence  alone  can  effect  equality,  and  only  for 

a  time. 
v.  Socialism  opposes  the  rights  of  property :  Yet, 

a.  Christ  enforces  the   loth  commandment :  Mth. 

v.  17. 

b.  He  only  counsels  the  young  man  to  sell :  Mth. 

xix.  21. 

c.  Ananias  might  have  kept  his  land  :  Acts  v.  4. 

d.  The  followers   of   Christ   possessed :    (Martha, 

Philemon). 

e.  The  Church  has  ever  acknowledged  such  right. 
/.  Christianity  forbids  revolution. 

But   Socialism   needs   it,  and    officially   pro- 
claims it. 

Lessons  for  Catholics,  nowadays  especially  : 

i.  See  the  evils  of  Socialism,  and  its  impossibility, 
ii.  Beware  of  it,  under  its  plausible  pretexts, 
iii.  Recognize  fully  the  rights  of   property,   under  the 

7th  commandment, 
iv.  Obedience   to    God's    Law  will    render   inequalities 

bearable. 

v.  If  only  the  world  would  do  this,  it  would  be  spared 
much  trouble  and  misery. 


326  SERMON   PLANS 

113.       TIME. 
"  Redeeming  the  time."     Eph.  v.  16 

i.  After  grace,  Time  is  the  most  precious  gift  of  God. 

Yet  how  much  do  we  waste  of  it ! 
ii.  See  motives  and  means  of  spending  it  well. 

Motives  for  good  use  of  Time : 
i.  Its  brevity: 

"  It   is  a  vapour   which   appeareth   for  a    little  while." 
Jas.  iv.  15. 

a.  Its  course   is  like  the  lightning  -  flash,  or  the 

raging  torrent. 

b.  Only   the   present   is  ours,  and  that   of   short 

duration.* 

c.  Once  gone,  it  is  irrevocable, 
ii.  Its  value : 

<i.  Of  greater  worth  than  all  riches  :  for, 

1.  In  time,  we  can   purchase  an  eternity  of 

happiness.     And, 

2.  Each  moment  of  time  may  increase  that 

happiness. 

b.  Ask  souls  already  in  eternity  the  value  of  time, 
i.  In  Hell: 

a.  They  would  give  worlds  for  half  an 

hour  to  repent  in  ! 
ft.  One    great    torment    in    Hell  —  the 

thought  of  time  lost. 
Ask  Dives  the  value  of  it :  Lke.  xvi. 
»   2.  In  Purgatory  : 

Gladly  would  they  suffer  a  thousand  deaths 
to  be  able  now  to  atone  for  sin. 

3.  In  Heaven  : 

a.  What  would  they  give  for  one  hour, 
wherein  to  increase  their  merit ! 

/?.  If  they  could  sorrow,  it  would  be  over 
the  loss  of  precious  time. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  227 

iii.  Reparation  for  time  lost  in  the  past : 
"  Redeeming  the  time." 

a.  In  eternity,  no  work  can  be  done  :  Jn.  ix.  4. 

b.  If  we  have  neglected  the  past,  we  can  atone  in 

the  present. 
Consider  the  void,  the  guilt  of  many  years. 

c.  Numbers  have  gone  into  the  deserts,  to  atone 

for  the  past : 
Remembering  the  words  :  "  My  sin  is  always 

before  me."     Ps.  1.  5. 

iv.  The  great  account  to  be  rendered  for  the  use  of  time, 
v.  Idleness  the  mother  of  every  vice  :  Ecclus.  xxxiii.  29. 

Means  to  employ  Time  well : 
i.  High  appreciation  of  its  value. 

Without  this,  we  shall  not  spend  it  profitably, 
ii.  Exact  daily  work  : 

a.  Definite  occupation,  a  great  guard  against  waste. 

b.  Regularity  and  method  in  work.! 

"  Let  all  things  be  done  according  to  order."     i  Cor. 
xiv.  40. 

iii.  Punctuality :  "  Procrastination  is  the  thief  of  time." 
iv.  See  the  examples  of  the  Saints :  e.g. 

S.  Alphonsus  vowed  never  to  waste   a   moment ! 

Aug.  2. 

S.  Bede  semper  legit,  semper  scripsit,  etc. :  May  27. 
v.  Good  intention  in  all : 

a.  Morning  offering,  sanctifying  the  whole  day. 

b.  Principle  gounded  on  Our  Lord's  promise:  Mth. 

x.  41. 

c .  Turning  the  simplest  action  into  gold  for  eternity. 

Lessons : 

i.  Often  reflect  on  these  two  texts  of  Scripture : 

a.  "  What  dost  thou  here,  Elias  ?  "  3  Kgs.  xix.  9. 

b.  "  I  must  be  about  My  Father's  business."    Lke. 

ii.  49. 

ii.  Resolve  on  a  more  conscientious  use  of  time  hence- 
forth. 


*  As  each  day  passes,  we  change,  we  die,  and  yet  we  think  ourselves 
immortal .  — S.Jerome. 

t  Make  the  most  of  time,  it  flies  away  so  fast ;  yet  method  will  teach 
you  to  win  time. — Goethe. 


aa8  SERMON  PLANS 


114.      DRUNKENNESS. 

"  Be  not  drunk  with  wine."     Eph.  v.  18. 

i.  These  words  warn  us  against  a  fearful  evil, 
ii.  Take  occasion  to  reflect  on  the  vice  of  drunkenness. 
iii.  Many  are  guilty  of  excess,  without  going  to  extremes. 
Let  these  also  pay  heed  to  the  instruction. 

Drunkenness : 

i.  Excess  in  drink,  even    to   the   loss   of   the  use   of 

reason, 
ii.  Mortal  sin  of  its  nature. 

"  Nor  drunkards  shall  possess  the  Kingdom  of  God."     I  Cor. 
vi.  10. 

iii.  Effects: 

a.  Ruin  of  the  soul,  by  reason  of  its  guilt. 

b.  Ruin  of  bodily  health  and  strength. 

c.  Loss  of  reputation  before  men. 

d.  Injury  to  family  and  State.* 

In  1898,  the  drink  bill  for  the  United  King- 
dom was  ^"154,000,000 ! 

e.  Oftentimes  insanity. 

iv.  One  of    the  capital    sins,   as   being   the  cause  of 
others:  e.g. 

a.  Impurity. 

"Wine,  wherein  is  luxury."     Eph.  v.  18. 

b.  Anger,  quarrels  and  abusive  language. 

c.  Sometimes  even  murder  and  suicide. 
v.  Causes: 

a.  Slight  self-indulgence,  to  begin  with. 

b.  Evil  companions. 

c.  Frequenting  of  public-houses. 

d.  Unhappy  homes,  driving  one  to  drink. 

e.  Treating,  and  being  treated,  in  public-houses. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  229. 

Motives  for  avoiding  it : 

i.  Consider  the  effects  of  it  (supra). 
ii.  A  disgraceful  and  degrading  vice.f 
iii.  A  most  difficult  habit  to  cure.     And 

"  Prevention  is  better  than  cure." 
iv.  It  often  proves  hereditary  ! 
v.  It  leads  to  final  impenitence. 

Means  to  avoid  it : 

i.  Shun  the  company  of  drinkers :  Prov.  xxiii.  20. 
ii.  Gradually  lessen  the  amount,  if  prone  to  drink, 
iii.  The  pledge,  total  or  partial. 

iv.  Remembrance  of  Christ's  thirst,  the  gall  and  vinegar, 
v.  Prayer  for  grace,  and  frequentation  of   the  Sacra- 
ments. 

vi.  The  spirit  of  mortification  and  self-denial, 
vii.  Always  eat,  when  taking  any  drink. 

Lessons : 

i.  Avoid  all  secret  drinking, 
ii.  Resist  the  first  allurements  : 

Pnncipiis  obsta  was  said,  even  by  the  pagans, 
iii.  Train  young  people  to  fear  all  self-indulgence, 
iv.  Pray  for  the  conversion  of  the  victims  of  drink. 


*  The  ancient  Greeks  decreed  that  whosoever  ruined  his  patrimony 
through  drink  should  not  be  buried  in  the  tomb  of  his  ancestors,  but 
should  be  thrown  without  honour  on  the  rubbish  heap. 

+  The  Lacedemonians,  to  instil  into  their  children  a  horror  of 
excess  in  drink,  simply  made  their  slaves  drunk,  allowing  the  children 
to  see  them  in  that  state. — Stobeus. 


230  SERMON  PLANS 


115.    GOOD  ANGELS. 

"  Principalities  and  Powers."     Eph.  vi.  12. 

i.  These  words  recall  the  existence  of  a  world  unseen, 

though  real. 

ii.  It  contains  two  realms :  good  and  bad  angels, 
iii.  Study   the    good    angels,   especially   the   Guardian 
Angels. 

Good  Angels : 

i.  Pure  spirits  ;  not   made,  like   our^  souls,   for  union 

with  matter. 

Having  great  power,  free-will  and  intelligence. 
ii.  Supposed  to  exceed  the  number  of  all   men  to  the 
end  of  time ! 

"  Thousands  of  thousands  .   .   .  ten  thousand  times  a  hundred 
thousand."     Dan.  vii.  10. 

iii.  In    three    gorgeous    hierarchies:    subordinate,    the 

lower  to  the  higher. 
Each  hierarchy  containing  three  choirs  of  varied 

gifts  and  power, 
iv.  Created : 

a.  Probably,  at   the   same   time   as    the   material 

world. 

b.  In  the  state  of  sanctifying  grace. 

c.  In  Heaven,  but  without  the  vision  of  God. 

d.  The  Beatific  Vision  the  reward  of   fidelity  to 

Him. 

v.  Existence  proved   by  numerous   passages  of   Holy 
Writ. 

Angel  Guardians : 

i.  Each  one,  at  birth,  entrusted  to  the  care  of  an  angel. 

Ps.  xc.  ii. 

S.  Frances  and  her  Angel.* 
ii.  Their  services  to  men  are : 

a.  To  have  a  general  and  constant  care  of  them. 

"To  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways."     Ps.  xc.  n. 
"  When  I  sleep,  thou  sleepest  not."     Hymn. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  231 

b.  To  direct  them  to  good,  by  their  inspirations. 

Agar  returning  to  her  mistress :  Gen.  xvi.  9. 

c.  To  assist  them  in  temporal  need. 

Agar,  and  the  well :  Gen.  xxi.  19. 
Elias,  and  the  cake :  3  Kgs.  xix.  6. 

d.  To  save  them  from  dangers  : 

Tobias  on  his  journey :  Tob.  vi. 
S.  Peter's  deliverance :  Acts  xii.  7. 

e.  To  pray  for  them. 

An  angel  prayed  for  Jerusalem  :  Zach.  i.  12. 
/.  To  assist  them  in  death. 

Lazarus  carried  by  angels  to  Heaven :  Lke. 

xvi.  22. 
iii.  Our  duties  in  return  : 

a.  Reverence  for  their  presence  : 

1.  Avoiding   sin,  as    displeasing    them:    Ex. 

xxiii.  21. 

2.  Saluting  them  in  assemblies. 

As   was    the    custom    of    S.  Philip,    on 
entering  a  room  full  of  people. 

b.  Devotion  for  their  charity  : 

1.  Readiness  to  obey  their  inspirations. 

2.  Heeding  remorse  of  conscience  after  sin. 

c.  Confidence  in  their  power  : 

1 .  Invoking  their  aid  in  difficulty,  journeys,  etc. 

2.  Placing    ourselves   under    their   care   and 

protection ;  for, 

3.  Power  is  given  them,  that  they  may  shield 

us  from  evil. 
Lessons : 

i.  Lively    faith    in    the    presence    of    these    invisible 

guardians. 

ii.  Daily  prayer  to  them,  morning  and  evening,  etc. 
iii.  Honour  them  in  some  special  way,  in  October. 


*  S.  Frances  of  Rome  enjoyed  the  familiar  conversation  of  her 
Angel  Guardian,  who  was  often  visibly  present  to  her  bodily  eyes, 
though  no  one  else  near  her  could  see  him. — Her  Life :  Mch.  9. 


232  SERMON   PLANS 


116.     EVIL  SPIRITS. 

"Spirits  of  wickedness  in  the  high  places."     Eph.  vi.  12. 

i.  Besides  good  angels,  there  are  also  bad  angels, 
ii.  \Yell   to  think  of   this,  because   of   their   influence 
and  power. 

Evil  Spirits: 

i.  Before  confirming  the  angels  in  grace,  God  tested 

their  fidelity. 
Perhaps  by  requiring  them  to  adore  the  revealed 

Humanity  of  Christ, 
ii.  Through    pride,   one   third    refused,   and    fell    from 

grace  :  Apoc.  xii.  4. 

Supposed  to  equal  the  number  of  men  to  be  saved, 
iii.  Punishment : 

a.  Loss  of  grace,  their  wonderful  natural  powers 

remaining. 

b.  Hell-fire,  created  for  them  :  Mth.  xxv.  41. 

1.  Pain  of  loss  of  God,  for  ever. 

2.  Pain  of  suffering,  in  their  exquisite  sensi- 

bilities. 

c.  Immediately  and  without  time  for  repentance! 
iv.  Their  occupation  on  earth  : 

a.  Bearing  their  hell  about  with  them. 

b.  Tempting   men,    through    envy   of    them    and 

hatred  of  God. 

1.  By  illusion  :  false  conscience,  etc. 

2.  By  allurement :  triple  concupiscence. 

3.  By  terror:  scruples,  possession,  tempests,  etc. 

Sara,  wife  of  Tobias:  xii.  14. 
Christ,  and  the  legion  :   Lke.  viii. 

v.  \Ve  must  fear  them  always:  Yet,  knowing  that  God 
and  His  angels  are  with  us. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  233 

Lucifer,  or  the  Devil,  has  a  real  existence. 

i.  Denied  nowadays,  the  denial  encouraged  by  him, 

ensnare  souls, 
ii.  Clearly  proved  by  : 

a.  Revelation :  e.g. 

Eve's  temptation  :  Gen.  iii.  i. 
Satan,  striking  Job:  i.  12. 
Appearance  to  the  High  Priest:   Zach.  iii.  i. 
Our  Lord's  temptation  :  Mth.  iv.  i. 
Our  Lord  often  expelled  him  from  the  pos- 
sessed: e.g.  Mth.ix.33  :  xvii.  17:  Mrk.  vii.  29. 

b.  The  teaching  of  the  Church,  shown  by 

1.  The  exorcisms  in  Baptism. 

2.  Her  prayers  against  the  powers  of  darkness. 

c.  Experience  of  the  saints  :  e.g. 

S.  Antony:  Jan.  17. 

S.  Catherine  of  Siena  :  Apl.  30. 

S.Martin:  Nov.  n. 

The  Cure  of  Ars.* 

d.  Our  own  experience  : 

1.  The    Devil    entices   to  sin:    Eph.   vi.    16: 

i   Pet.  v.  8. 

2.  Evil  suggestions  and  imaginations ;  pride, 

etc. 
iii.  Thus  the   Devil  really  exists,  and  is  greatly  to  be 

feared. 
Lessons : 

i.  The  Devil  truly  to  be  recognized  and  dreaded ;  yet, 
ii.  We  must  have  unbounded  confidence  in  God. 

Appealing  to  Him,  when  attacked  by  the  Evil  One. 
iii.  Take  the  shield  of  faith  (consideration  of  the  truths 
of   faith)    against   "  the   fiery  darts   of   the   most 
wicked  one." 


*  For  many  years  the  holy  Cure  of  Ars  was  tormented  by  evil 
spirits  and  physically  ill-treated  ;  they  disturbed  him  at  night  by 
horrible  shrieks  and  noises  ;  they  sometimes  threw  him  out  of  bed, 
and  once  they  even  set  fire  to  it. — His  Life. 


234 


SERMON  PLANS 


117.      ALL  SAINTS. 

"A  great  multitude  which  no  man  could  number."     Ap.  vii.  9. 

i.  Magnificent  feast  for  the  whole  Church  of  God. 
ii.  To  celebrate  it  worthily,  reflect  on  it  to-day. 

The  Feast: 

i.  Celebrated  Nov.  ist,  from  the  8th  c.  though  known 

in  the  4th. 
The  Pantheon. v 
ii.  Objects : 

a.  To  honour  all  the  Saints  in  Heaven. 

1.  At  first,  the  Martyrs'  feasts  were  honoured 

annually. 

2.  In  time,  it  became   impossible  to  honour 

each  separately. 

3.  Still  more  so,  the  Virgins  and  Confessors. 

b.  To  thank  God  for  His  mercies  to  the  Saints. 

c.  To  excite  us  to  imitate  their  example. 

d.  To  encourage  our  weakness  and  confound  our 

tepidity. 

e.  To  obtain  the  intercession  of  the  Saints. 

/.  To  repair  our  negligence  in  keeping  individual 

feasts. 
How  often  do  we  pass  them  by  without  notice  ! 

The  Saints: 

i.  Sanctified  themselves  on  earth,  and  now  stand  before 

God's  throne. 

Countless  multitudes  of  "  all  nations  and  peoples." 
ii.  In  various  degrees  of  bliss  according  to  their  merits. 

"  Then  will  He  render  to  every  man  according  to  his  works." 
Mth.  xvi.  27. 

iii.  Yet  all  are  content  and  happy  amid  the  inequality, 
iv.  Three  classes  have  a  special  crown  (aureola) : 

a.  Doctors  of  the  Church,  who,  by  the  Prudence 
of  their  teaching,  resisted  the  Devil,  the  father 
of  lies. 

"They  that  instruct  many  to  justice  shall  shine  as  stars." 
Dan.  xii.  3. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  235 

b.  Martyrs,    who    overcame    the    World    by   their 

Fortitude. 

Bearing  still  their  glorified  wounds,  and"  palms 
in  their  hands." 

c.  Virgins,  who  overcame  the  Flesh,  by  the  temperate 

use  of  all  things. 

"These  follow  the  Lamb,  whithersoever  He  goeth."    Ap.  xiv.  4. 

v.  Their  happiness  not  disturbed  by  loss  of  friends  in 

Hell !     For, 
Their   will,   in    union    with    God's,     blesses    His 

Justice. 
vi.  Their  accidental  glory  continues  to  increase : 

a.  Every  fresh  arrival  adds  to  the  general  joy. 

b.  Their  good  works  on  earth  continue  fruitful  to 

souls,  and  so  merit  increasing  reward. 
vii.  Their  joy  and  reward  is  for  ever,  without  fear  of 

loss  or  diminution. 
Essential  to  real  and  complete  happiness. 

Lessons : 

i.  Confidence  and  hope  : 

a.  The  Saints  had  the  same  trials  as  we. 

b.  We  have  the  same  graces  as  they,  and  their 

example, 
ii.  Charity  and  love  : 

A  family  festival  of  relations  now  dead,  one  day 

to  be  ours, 
iii.  Devotion  to  the  Saints  as  friends  : 

Their  prayers  have  great  power  with  God. 
iv.  Imitation  of  their  virtues  : 

The  best  and  only  true  way  to  honour  them. 


*  Marcus  Agrippn,  in  the  reign  of  Augustus,  built  a  magnificent 
temple  in  Rome,  called  the  Pantheon,  either  because  all  false  deities 
were  worshipped  in  it,  or  because  its  shape  represented  the  heavens, 
"  the  abode  of  all  the  gods."  In  the  8th  c.  Pope  Boniface  IV.  opened 
and  dedicated  it  to  the  Christian  worship,  under  the  invocation  of  the 
Bl.  Virgin  and  all  the  Martyrs.  —  Gaume. 


236  SERMON  PLANS 


118.     ALL  SAINTS. 

"A  great  multitude."     AJMDC.  vii.  9. 
i.  Glorious  vision  granted  to  the  beloved  Disciple, 
ii.  That  same  vision  held  before  our  eyes  to-day, 
iii.  This  should  be  to  us  a  great  encouragement.     For 

I.  The  Glory  of  the  Saints  is  ours: 

i.  Ours  by  right  and  in  anticipation,  as  theirs  now  in 

actual  possession, 
ii.  We  are  made  for  Heaven,  as  the  final  object  of  our 

creation, 
iii.  The  earth  is  but  a  land  of  exile,  a  place  of  trial. 

The  happiest  life  here  is  as  nothing  to  the  joy  of 

Heaven, 
iv.  To-day's  festival  reminds  us  of  the  glory  that  awaits 

us. 

A  most  encouraging  thought  to  all !  Sursum  corda  ! 
v.  By  the  "  Communion  of  Saints,"  we  may  anticipate 
this  joy,  and  unite  ourselves  with  theirs. 

II.  The  Example  of  the  Saints  is  ours: 

i.  To  give  good  example,  a  duty  incumbent  on  all. 

"  Provoke  unto  charity  and  to  good  works."     Ileb.  x.  24. 
ii.  The    Saints    have  done   this,  and    have  now  their 
reward. 

a.  They  observed  the  Commandments  and  Law  of 

God. 

These  burdens  are  not  heavier  for  us  than  for 
them. 

b.  They   practised   the    Beatitudes    of    this  day's 

Gospel :  Mth.  v. 

These  equally  within  our  reach  also, 
iii.  The  Saints  had  the  same  trials  as  we,  and  heavier 

ones. 
We    have   the   same   graces   as   they,   and   their 

example, 
iv.  The  remembrance  of  this  should  lessen  our  difficulties. 

As  example  helps  an  explanation. 
S.  Augustine  encouraged  himself  by  the  example 

of  the  Saints. 
S.  Ignatius,  by  reading  their  lives. 


ON   THE   EPISTLES  237 


v.  Consoling    to    our   weakness    is    the    thought    that 

some  Saints  were  once  great  sinners,  but  they 

repented :  e.g. 

S.  Margaret  of  Cortona :  Feb.  22. 
S.  Camillus  of  Lellis  :  Jly.  14. 
S.  Mary  Magdalen  :  Jly.  22. 
S.  Augustine :  Aug.  28. 
S.  Thais  :  Oct.  8. 
vi.  Thus  in  every  form,  the  example  of  the  Saints  is  a 

help. 
Each  sex  and  each  age  has  its  Saints  to  imitate : 

S.  A  ug. 

III.  The  Intercession  of  the  Saints  is  ours: 

i.  They  are  friends  of  God,  and  powerful  with  Him. 
ii.  They  are  our  brethren,  filled  with  charity  towards  us. 
iii.  Their   prayer   in   our    behalf   must   therefore   avail 

much  :  Jas.  v.  16. 

This  intercession  we  should  often  seek:  Job  v.  i. 
iv.  Their  own  accidental  glory  also  increases  by  every 

conversion  :  Lke.  xv.  10. 

v.  Invoke,  therefore,  their    aid    in  time   of   trial   and 
temptation. 

Lessons : 

i.  This  glorious  Feast  inspires  Hope. 

a.  They  now  in  the  Church  Triumphant  were  once 

in  the  Militant. 

b.  We  now  in  the  Militant  trust  some  day  to  join 

the  Triumphant. 

ii.  What  matter  then,  if  we   suffer  awhile,  with  such 
reward  in  view ! 

"  One  glimpse  of  Paradise  repays  a  life  of  pain."     Hymn. 
iii.  Resolution  to  lead  lives  worthy  of  the  Saints : 

Through  their  Glory,  Example  and  Intercession, 
iv.  Heaven  is  ours,  because 

a.  We  are  made  for  it,  and  it  alone. 

b.  Ours  already,  in  store  for  us. 

c.  We  are  now  determined  to  secure  it.     Thus, 
v.  The  Reward  of  the  Saints  will  also  be  ours. 


238  SERMON   PLANS 


119.     THE   PARTICULAR  JUDGMENT. 

"  Unto  the  day  of  Christ  Jesus."     Phil.  i.  6. 

i.  The   "day    of    Christ"    refers    to    the    Judgment, 

particular  or  general, 
ii.  The  better  to  prepare  for  that  awful  day,  keep  it  in 

mind, 
iii.  To-day  reflect  on  the  Particular  Judgment. 

Everyone  judged  in  death  : 

i.  All,  without  exception,  from  Adam  to  the  end  of  time. 
As  everyone  dies,  so  everyone  is  judged :    Heb. 

ix.  27. 
ii.  Not  in  the  bodily  presence  of  Christ,  as  at  the  last 

day. 
iii.  But  by  illumination  of  the  memory  and  conscience 

of  each  one. 
iv.   Immediately,  at  the  very  moment  of  death. 

On  the  spot  where  it  occurs  (sick-room,  the  street, 

the  sea). 
v.  Judgment  as  to 

a.  Our  thoughts,  good  and  bad  : 

How  many  flit  across  the  mind  each  day  ! 

b.  Our  words,  good  and  evil : 

How  many  pass  our  lips  through  life. 

c.  Our  actions  of  every  kind  : 

Greater  responsibility,  as  affecting  others. 

d.  Our  omissions  : 

Sometimes  as  grievous  as  sins  of  commission, 
vi.  With  the  Devil   and  our  Angel  present,  to  accuse 

and  defend. 

vii.  In  strictest  justice  :  the  time  for  mercy  is  past.    And, 
viii.  As  we  are  found  then,  so  will  our  lot  be  for  ever. 

a.  As  the  tree  fall,  so  does  it  lie :  Eccles.  xi.  3. 

b.  The  last  day  will  not  reverse,  but  confirm  this 

judgment. 

The  sentence  passed  and  the  soul  consigned  to : 

i.  Heaven : 

a.  If  absolutely  free  from  all  sin  and  punishment 
due. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  239 

b.  Few  indeed  found  in  this  happy  state :  e.g. 

The  Holy  Mother  of  God. 

S.  Joseph,  her  chaste  Spouse. 

S.  John  Baptist,  Our  Lord's  Precursor. 

c.  Presumption  in  us  to  expect  this. 
ii.  Hell: 

a.  If  in  a  state  of  mortal  sin. 

b.  How  many  die  in  this  unhappy  plight :    Mth. 

vii.  13. 

c.  Despair  in  us,  if  we  ever  expected  to  go  there, 
iii.  Purgatory  : 

a.  If   the  soul   have   atonement  yet  to   make  to 

God's  Justice. 

b.  The  lot  of  the  great  majority  of  the  saved. 

c.  We   should    endeavour    now   to   lessen    future 

suffering ;   and, 

d.  Relieve  the  souls  already  there  (November), 
iv.  Limbo  : 

a.  In  the  case  of  those  dying  without  Baptism. 

How  many  children's  souls  are  there  ! 

b.  Responsibility  of  parents  in  this  regard. 

Yet  how  careless  even  Catholics  sometimes  are. 

Lessons : 

i.  Be  it  our  endeavour  to  become  perfect  "  unto  the 

day  of  Christ." 
ii.  The  thought  of  the  future  Judgment  will  aid  us  in 

this  :  Ecclus.  vii.  40. 

iii.  The  Saints  have  trembled  at  this  thought.* 
iv.  If  we  imitate  them  now,  we  shall  have  less  to  fear 

then. 

v.  No  thought  so  steadying  as  that  of  the  Judgment ; 
for, 

The  seriousness  of  Death  arises  from  the  certainty 
of  its  following. 


*  S.  Arsenius,  at  the  age  of  120,  after  a  lifetime  of  penance,  still 
feared  the  Judgment — S.  Jerome  used  to  tremble  at  the  very  thought 
of  it — S.  Augustine  avers  that  meditation  on  this  truth  led  to  his 
conversion. 


240 


SERMON   PLANS 


120.     LIBERALITY. 

"  You  are  all  partakers  of  my  joy."     Phil.  i.  7. 

i.  S.  Paul  thanks  the  Philippians  for  aid  they  sent  to 

him  in  prison, 
ii.  Such  Christian  charity  on  their  part,  a  source  of  joy 

to  him. 
iii.  All  should  imitate  the  Philippians  in  their  thoughtful 

liberality. 

Liberality : 

i.  Virtue  leading  us  to  give,  without  hope  of  return, 
ii.  Much  extolled  in  Holy  Scripture :  e.g. 

"The  lips  of  many  shall  bless  him  that  is  liberal."     Ecclus. 

xxxi.  28. 
"  He  that  hateth  covetousness  shall  prolong  his  days."     Prov. 

xxviii.  16. 

"  Some  distribute  their  goods  and  grow  richer."     Prov.  xi.  24. 
"  It  is  a  more  blessed  thing  to  give  than  to  receive. "  Acts  xx.  35. 

iii.  Shown  by 

a.  Relieving  the  poor. 

b.  Supporting  good  works. 

c.  Generosity  in  dealing  with  others. 

d.  Confidence  in  God. 
iv.  Effects : 

a.  To  win  the  confidence  of  others. 

b.  To  acquire  influence  over  them. 

c.  To  exercise  works  of  mercy. 
v.  Examples : 

Abraham's  hospitality  :  Gen.  xviii. 
Tobias  i.  19. 

The  woman  of  Sunam :  4  Kgs.  iv.  8. 
Cornelius  the  Centurion  :  Acts  x.  2. 
S.  Martin  and  the  cloak  :  Nov.  1 1. 
The  Roman  Pontiffs  in  all  ages.* 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  241 

vi.  Means : 

a.  To  remember  that  death  will  take  from  us  all 

we  have. 

b.  To  consider  ourselves  the  dispensers    only  of 

God's  gifts. 

c.  To  know  that  what  we  give  to  others  we  give 

to  God  :  Mth.  xxv.  40. 

d.  To  look  on  all  men  as  brothers  and  friends. 

e.  To  teach  children  to  be  generous,  by 

1.  Sharing  all  with  their  companions. 

2.  Giving  their  mite  to  the  poor,  and  good 

works, 
vii.  Objects : 

a.  God,  from  whom  we  have  so  much  received. 

b.  Enemies :    according  to  the  word    of    Christ : 

Mth.  v.  44. 

c.  Those  in  need  and  want, 
viii.  Manner : 

a.  For  motive  of  the  love  of  God. 

b.  Without  looking  for  earthly  return. 

c.  With  cheerfulness  and  joy :  2  Cor.  ix.  7. 

d.  Without  delay,  and  when  needed. 

e.  Without  display  or  self-praise. 

Half  the  beauty  of  a  gift  lies  in  the  manner 

of  the  giving. 
Lessons  : 

i.  Endeavour  to  practise  the  lovable  virtue  of  Liberality. 
Giving  it  the  qualities  that  make  it  meritorious 

for  Heaven. 

ii.  Most  important  to  inculcate  its  practice  in  children. 
If  this  spirit  be  not  acquired  in  childhood,  it  is 
seldom  acquired  at  all. 

*  From  the  earliest  times,  the  Popes  have  ever  succoured  suffering 
humanity,  lavishing  their  means  in  building  orphanages,  hospitals  and 
asylums.  They  have  always  patronized  and  developed,  in  no  stinted 
\vay,  the  arts  and  sciences  in  the  service  of  Religion.  The  late 
Holy  Father,  Leo  XIII.,  did  in  this  regard  but  follow  in  the  footsteps 
of  many  saintly  predecessors. 

Q 


242  SERMON   PLANS 


121.     THE  SIGN   OF  THE   CROSS. 

"The  Cross  of  Christ."     Phil.  iii.  18. 
i.  One  distinctive  mark  of  a  Catholic  is  the  sign  of 

the  Cross, 
ii.  The  text  suggests  a  few  thoughts  on  the  subject. 

Sign  of  the  Cross : 

i.  Motives  for  making  it. 

a.  To  remind  us  of  the  Bl.  Trinity. 

By  the  words  that  are  used. 

b.  To  remind  us  of  the  death  of  Christ. 

By  the  very  form  that  is  used. 

c.  To  revive  our  Faith  in 

1.  The  Unity  and  Trinity  of  God. 

2.  The  Incarnation  and  Redemption. 

As  a  photo  recalls  an  absent  person. 

d.  To  strengthen  our  Hope. 

1.  Memorial  that  all  blessings  come  through 

the  Cross. 

2.  Fostering  a  habit  of  seeking  aid  through  it. 

e.  To  nourish  our  Cltarity,  symbol  of 

1.  Patience,  in  disciples  of  Christ. 

2.  Fortitude,  in  soldiers  of  Christ, 
ii.  Use  of  this  sign  : 

a.  Known  probably  in  the  days  of  the  Apostles. 

b.  In  public  worship :  e.g. 

1.  Some  50  times  in  the  Mass. 

2.  Often  in  the  Divine  Office. 

3.  In  the  administration  of  the  Sacraments: 

e.g.  14  times  in  Baptism. 

4.  On    everything    used    in    God's    service  : 

altars,  linen,  etc. 

c.  In  personal  devotions:  e.g. 

i.  Morning  and  evening,  to  gain  God's  pro- 
tection. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  243 

2.  Before  and  after  prayer. 

3.  Before  and  after  meals. 

Even  the  pagans  used  prayer  at  meals. 
S.  Benedict  and  the  poisoned  cup.* 

4.  In  temptation  and  dangers  of  soul. 

The  Devil  fears  the  Cross,  by  which  he 
was  vanquished. 

5.  In  dangers  of  body :  e.g.  by  it 

S.  Dominic  raised  a  dead  person  :  Aug.  4. 
S.  Tibertius  extinguished  a  conflagration : 

Aug.  n. 

S.  Roch  healed  the  sick :  Aug.  16. 
S.  Hilarion  stayed  the  ravages  of  a  flood : 

Oct.  21. 
S.  Martin  stayed  the  fall  of    a  tree   on 

him :  Nov.  n. 
In  hoc  signo  vinces. 

6.  Before  our  chief  acts  and  undertakings : 

a.  To    sanctify   them,   and    gain    God's 

blessing.     For, 
ft.  God   it   is   who   gives    the    increase: 

i  Cor.  iii.  6. 
iii.  Indulgences : 

a.  50  days,  if  made  with  the  words. 

b.  100  days,  if  with  Holy  Water. 

Lessons : 

i.  Fear  not  to  make  the  sign  of  the  Cross,  as  required. 

ii.  Make  it  on  the  heart  in  temptation  and  trial, 
iii.  Have  a  Crucifix  in  every  Catholic  home, 
iv.  Meditation  on  the  "  Cross  of  Christ "  gives  patience 
and  courage. 


*  A  glass  of  poisoned  wine  was  one  day  presented  to  S.  Benedict ; 
according  to  his  custom,  he  made  over  it  the  sign  of  the  Cross,  and 
immediately  the  glass  was  shattered,  and  a  serpent  came  forth  from  it. 
— H 'is  Life:  Mch.  21. 


244  SERMON  PLANS 


122.     PREDESTINATION. 
"  Whose  names  are  in  the  book  of  life."     Phil.  iv.  3. 

i.  Predestination,  the  knowledge  God  has  as  to  who  will 

be  saved. 

One  of  the  most  difficult  questions  in  all  theology, 
ii.  Some  thoughts  on  the  subject  may  thus  be  useful. 

Book  of  Life: 

i.  Names  may  be  written  herein  in  a  two-fold  manner : 

a.  Conditionally :  through  grace  in  life. 

1.  Souls    fighting    generously    against    their 

enemies. 

2.  S.  Paul  mentions  Clement  and  his  other 

fellow-labourers. 

b.  Absolutely :  through  glory  in  eternity. 
ii.  Frequently  mentioned  in  Scripture :  e.g. 

A  favour  to  be  written  in  that  Book :  Dan.  xii.  i. 
A  curse  to  be  struck  out  of  it :  Ps.  Iviii.  9. 
The  fellow-labourers  of  S.  Paul :  Phil.  iv.  3. 
Similar  expressions  in  the  Apocalypse:  xiii.  8:  xx.  12. 
iii.  Means:    God's   knowledge   of    the   eternal    decree, 
whereby  He  has  predestined  some  to  glory. 

Predestination  leaves  free  the  will  of  man  : 

i.  God's  decree  is  eternal,  unchangeable  like  Himself.  But, 
ii.  God  predestines  only  according  to  man's  conduct 

which  is  prior. 
The  log  in  the  stream.* 
iii.  God's  Will  is 

a.  Antecedent:     determining   a   thing    apart    from 

circumstances. 
God  wills  all  men  to  be  saved :  i  Tim.  ii.  4. 

b.  Consequent :   willing   what,  apart    from  circum- 

stances, He  would  not  have  willed. 
Eternal  punishment  of  those  who  die  in  mortal 
sin. 

The  Predestined: 

i.  God  wills  the  salvation  of  more  than  the  predestined 
only  :  e.g. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  245 

a.  He  willed  that  none  entrusted  to  Christ  should 

perish  :  Jn.  vi.  39. 

Yet  Judas  was  one  of  them  and  is  lost :  Mth. 
xxvi.  24. 

b.  He  desired  the  salvation  of  Jerusalem,  but  she 

would  not :  Mth.  xxiii.  37. 
ii.  God  wills  even  all  men  to  be  saved : 

a.  Scripture  plainly  asserts  this: 

Christ,  a  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 

world  :   i  Jn.  ii.  2. 
Christ  takes  away  the  sin  of  the  world :  Jn. 

i.  29. 

He  died  for  all  men  :  2  Cor.  v.  15  :  i  Tim.  ii.  6. 
God  wills  the  salvation  of  all  men:  i  Tim.ii.  4. 

b.  Fathers  of  the  Church  speak  freely  in  the  same 

sense:  e.g. 
Passage  from  S.  Augustine,  t 

c.  Damnation  occurs  through  failure  of  some  con- 

dition. 

1.  In  adults,  the  will  to  do  one's  duty. 

2.  God  is  just,  and  no  one  is  condemned, 

unless  through  his  own  fault. 

d.  No  one  certain   of   his   predestination,  except 

through  a  revelation  :    Cl.  Trent,  vi.  16. 

1.  S.  Paul  warns  us  to  take  heed:   i   Cor. 

x,  12. 

2.  He  bids  us  work  out  our  salvation  with 

fear:  Phil.  ii.  12. 

e.  As  to  the  number  actually  saved,  we  shall  know 

nothing  till  the  last  day. 

Signs  of  Predestination  (lessons) : 

i.  Penance  and  good  works  in  reparation  of  sin. 
ii.  Care  to  avoid  sin. 
iii.  Frequentation  of  the  Sacraments, 
iv.  Devotion  to  the  Bl.  Virgin  and  S.  Joseph. 

*  If  you  see  a  log  floating  down  the  river,  you  know  it  will  soon  be 
lost  in  the  ocean.  It  is  not  lost  because  you  know  it,  but  you  know  it 
because  it  is  lost — Our  future  lot  does  not  depend  on  God's  decree, 
but  His  decree  depends  on  our  conduct  foreseen  by  Him. 

T  The  will  of  God  is  that  all  men  should  be  saved,  but  not  in  such 
sort  as  to  take  from  them  their  free-will,  according  to  their  good  or  evil 
use  of  which,  they  will  be  judged  with  absolute  justice. — De  Catech. 
Rud. 


246  SERMON  PLANS 


123-     GOOD   WORKS. 

"  Fruitful  in  every  good  work."     Col.  i.  10. 

i.  As  fruits  of  the  earth  preserve  temporal  life,  so  good 
works  secure  eternal  life. 

They  enable  us  to  "  walk  worthy  of  God." 
ii.  Good  works  may  be  summed  up  under  three  heads : 

viz. 

I.  Prayer :  the  homage  of  our  Soul. 

i.  The  raising  up  of  mind  and  heart  to  God. 

In  Adoration,  Reparation,  Thanks  and  Petition, 
ii.  Necessary  to  all  men, 

a.  As  the  ordinary  means  of  grace :  Mth.  vii.  7. 

b.  Often  inculcated  in  Scripture:  Ecclus.  vii.  10: 

Col.  iv.  2. 

c.  Example  of  Our  Lord  and  His  Saints. 
iii.  Comprises : 

fl.  Meditation. 

b.  Daily  devotions  and  ejaculations. 

c.  Holy  Mass,  and  Church  Services. 

d.  Frequentation  of  the  Sacraments. 

e.  Actions  done  for  God's  glory, 
iv.  Effects :  Prayer 

a.  Acquits  us  of  our  debt  of  homage  to  God. 

b.  Acknowledges  our  dependence  on  Him. 

c.  Atones  for  past  sin. 

d.  Is  all  powerful  in  Heaven :  Mth.  xxi.  22. 

e.  Brings  us  grace  here,  and  glory  hereafter. 

II.  Fasting  :  the  homage  of  the  Body. 

i.  Restraint  of  the  appetite,  as  to  quantity  and  quality 

of  food, 
ii.  First  command  of  God  to  man  :  Gen.  ii.  17. 


ON   THE  EPISTLES  247 

iii.  Includes  : 

a.  Voluntary  mortification,  in  any  form. 

b.  Labours  and  trials  borne  in  patience. 

c.  Temptations  manfully  resisted, 
iv.  Effects  :  Fasting 

a.  Appeases  God's  anger. 

The  Ninevites :  Jon.  iii.  5,  10. 

b.  Subdues  the  passions. 

c.  Renovates  the  whole  spiritual  man. 

d.  Often  benefits  even  bodily  health. 

III.  Almsdeeds  ;  the  homage  of  our  Goods. 

i.  Giving  to  another,  for  God's  sake, 
ii.  Standard  at  the  great  judgment-day :  Mth.  xxv.  35. 
iii.  Comprises : 

a.  Food  and  clothing  given  to  the  poor. 

b.  Money  for  the  same. 

c.  Any  kindness  shown  to  others. 

d.  Spiritual  and  corporal  works  of  mercy, 
iv.  Effects :  Almsdeeds 

a.  Renders  God  favourable  to  us. 

b.  Gives  power  to  prayer  and  intercession. 

c.  Detaches  the  heart  from  things  of  earth. 

d.  Brings  even  temporal  rewards  and  blessings. 

Lessons : 

i.  Be  convinced  of  the  necessity  and  advantages  of 
good  works :  viz. 

a.  Satisfaction  to  God's  offended  Justice  (past). 

b.  Impetration,  power  with  God  (present). 

c.  Merit  for  eternal  reward  (future). 

ii.  Practise  them  in  some  form,  especially  in  Advent. 
If  we  cannot  do  all  three,  we  can  do  one  or  other 
of  them. 


248  SERMON   PLANS 


124.     OUR    KNOWLEDGE  OF  GOD. 

"  Increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  God."     Col.  i.  10. 

i.  One  of  man's  chief  duties  is  to  know  his  Creator, 
ii.  A  few  considerations  on  this  subject. 

Knowledge  of  God : 

i.  Unless  we   first   know   God,  we    cannot    love  and 

serve  Him. 
ii.  This  knowledge  of  God 

a.  \Yill  teach  us  how  to  love  and  serve  Him. 

b.  Will  furnish  motives  to  facilitate  it. 

iii.  Unless  we  love  and  serve  God,  we  shall  not  save 

our  souls.     Yet, 

iv.  Salvation  is  the  very  object  for  which  we  were  created, 
v.  Hence  the  need  of  knowing  God  and  His  holy  Will. 

We   are   none  of   us   so  fully  instructed,  as  we 

should  be. 
vi.  God  has  given  us  a  revelation  of  Himself. 

How  are  we  to  find  it  ? 

Means  to  know  God: 

i.  Catechism,  for  children. 

a.  Of  the  utmost  importance,  as  a  first  means. 

b.  To  be  learnt  carefully,  and  word  for  word. 

c.  Responsibility  of  parents  in  seeing  to  this, 
ii.  Explanation  of  Catechism  : 

a.  The  book  itself,  the  merest  outline  of  Christian 

Doctrine. 

b.  The  text  not  always  easy  to  understand. 

c.  Developments  and   explanations  are  therefore 

necessary. 

d.  Need  of   regular  and   punctual  attendance  at 

Church  and  School. 

c.  Further  responsibility  of  parents  herein, 
iii.  Sermons : 

a.  On  Dogma : 

1.  Various  truths  and  doctrines  of  Revelation. 

2.  Exact  and  clear  teaching,  most  essential 

nowadays. 


ON  THE  EPISTLES  249 

3.  A  means  of  strengthening  our  Faith  and 

Devotion. 

4.  A   means   of   replying   to   objections   and 

enlightening  others. 
b.  On  Morals : 

1.  Practical  obligations  flowing  from  dogmatic 

truths. 

2.  Virtues  and  vices  found  in  common  life. 

3.  Especially  the  duties  of  our  state  in  life. 

4.  The  various  practices  of  devotion  in  the 

Church. 

Words  of  the  Cure  of  Ars.* 
iv.  Spiritual  Reading : 

a.  At  least  from  time  to  time,  especially  on  Sundays. 

b.  An   effectual   means   of   increasing  knowledge 

and  piety. 

c.  Books,  treating  of 

1.  Holy  Writ,  the  inspired  word  of  God. 

2.  Dogmatic  and  historical  subjects. 

3.  The  great  religious  questions  of  the  day. 

4.  The  Lives  of  the  Saints. 

d.  Nourishes,  stimulates  and  strengthens  the  soul 

in  God's  love. 

Lessons : 

i.  Remember  we  are  told  to  increase  in  the  knowledge 

of  God. 

ii.  Not  to  advance  is  to  lose  ground, 
iii.  Repugnance  to  instruction,  a  sign  of  the  times.   Yet, 
iv.  Wilful  ignorance  of  religion  is  a  sin  against  God. 

How  great  this  ignorance  nowadays  among  all 

classes, 
v.  Take  therefore  the  means  of  instruction  within  your 

reach. 
Advent  is  at  hand,  a  time  most  suitable  for  this. 


*  I  think  that  one  who  does  not  properly  hear  the  word  of  God  will 
not  save  his  soul ;  he  will  not  know  what  to  do  for  that.  An  ignorant 
person  is  like  a  dying  man,  lying  unconscious  :  he  neither  knows  the 
malice  of  sin,  nor  the  beauty  of  grace,  nor  the  value  of  his  soul :  he 
goes  from  sin  to  sin,  like  a  rag  dragged  in  the  mire. — Cure  of  Ars. 


SERMON     PLANS 


II. 

ON   THE   GOSPELS. 


250  SERMON   PLANS 


125.     THE   GENERAL  JUDGMENT. 

"  The  Son  of  man  coming  in  a  cloud."     Lke.  xxi.  27. 

i.  Advent  begins  with  the  description  of  the  Judgment 
Day. 

Appropriate  thought  for  this  holy  season, 
ii.  Give  some  consideration  to-day  to  this  great  truth 

of  Revelation. 

Christ  will  come : 
i.  In  a  cloud  : 

a.  To  temper  the  resplendent  majesty  of  His  Body. 

1.  Too  overwhelming,  even  for  the  Just. 

2.  How  much  more  so  for  the  \Yicked  ! 

b.  As  God  often  appeared  of  old :  e.g. 

To  Moses :  Ex.  xix.  9. 
To  Daniel :  vii.  13. 
ii.  According  to  common  interpretation,  in  Josaphat : 

"Into   the  valley  of  Josaphat  .  .   .   there  I  will  sit  to 
judge."    Joel  iii.  12. 

a.  Near  Gethsemane  and  Calvary,  scenes  of  former 

humiliations. 

b.  Hence  the  symbolical  custom  of 

1.  Building  Churches   east  and   west.     (Ex. 

xxvii.  12,  13.) 

2.  Burying  the  Faithful,  feet  to  the  east, 
iii.  With  great  power : 

a.  His  first  coming  in  Bethlehem  was  in  weakness 

and  contempt. 

b.  His  second  will  be  in  glory  and  strength. 

c.  Accompanied  by  legions  of  angels. 

d.  The  Cross  borne  before  Him,  brighter  than  the 

sun : 
A  source  of  joy  to  the  Good,  of  anguish  to 

the  \Yicked. 
iv.  To  judge  all  without  exception,  as  He  died  for  all. 

a.  Separation  of   the   good   from  the  bad:  Mth. 

xxv.  33. 

b.  On  which  side  shall  /  be  ?     What  a  thought ! 
v.  The  Judgment,  and  final  Sentence  on  each  one — for 

eternity. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  251 


Why  a  second  Judgment  ? 

i.  The  last  Judgment  will  not  reverse  the  first. 

a.  God  is  all  Knowledge  and  Justice. 

b.  He  cannot  deceive,  nor  be  deceived. 

c.  Hence  the  second  Judgment  will  confirm  the 

first. 

ii.  God's  Justice  and  Providence  will  be  manifested  to 
the  world. 

a.  The  Good  are  often  persecuted  and   afflicted 

here ;  while 

b.  The  Wicked  often  prosper  and  succeed. 

"Behold  these  are  sinners  .  .  .  yet  they  have  obtained 
riches."     Ps.  Ixxii.  12. 

c.  The  General  Judgment  will  rectify  and  justify 

all,  by  rewards   and   punishments   otherwise 

dispensed  than  now ! 
iii.  Our   Lord   humbled  in   life  will   then    be   glorified 

before  men. 

What  a  victory  !    What  a  magnificent  triumph  ! 
iv.  Our  bodies  also  will  then  receive  their  reward. 

a.  The  body  shares  the  austerity  of  the  elect. 

b.  The  body  shares  the  sinful    pleasures  of   the 

damned. 

c.  The   body  can  only  be  rewarded  or  punished 

after  the  Resurrection. 

v.  The  General  Judgment  will  complete  the  award  of 
each  one. 

a.  A  man's  works  good  or  bad  live  after  him :  e.g. 

A     missioner's     labours :      S.  Augustine     in 

England. 

An  author's  good  books :  S.  Francis  of  Sales* 
A  writer's  bad  books  :  Voltaire. 

b.  The  total  results  can  only  be  known  at  the  last 

day. 
Only  then  can  the  full  award  be  meted  out. 

c.  An  encouragement  to  do  good  and  edify  others. 

d.  A  warning  to  avoid  scandal  and  bad  example. 

Lessons : 

i.  Meditation  on  these  thoughts  will  sanctify  Advent, 
ii.  Remembrance  of  the  Judgment,  a  protection  against 
sin  :  Ecclus.  vii.  40. 


a52  SERMON  PLANS 


126.     CHRIST  THE  JUDGE. 

"Then  shall  they  see  the  Son  of  man  coming,"     Lke.  xxi.  27. 

i.  The  seriousness  of  life  arises  from  the  certainty  of 

future  Judgment. 

Every  hour,  every  act  has  to  be  accounted  for. 
ii.  No  thought  has  such  a  steadying  effect  on  life  as  this, 
iii.  Hence  this  Advent,  consider  Christ  coming  to  judge 
mankind : 

As  Master: 

i.  It  is  often  difficult  to  say  who  is  now  our  master. 

a.  With  some  it  is  money. 

b.  With  others,  worldliness. 

c.  Or  again,  self-indulgence. 

d.  Or,  human  respect,  public  opinion,  etc. 

ii.  In  weakness,  or  want  of  faith,  we  often  yield  to  these. 

But, 
iii.  At  the  last  day,  Christ  will  show  Himself  the  Master 

of  all. 

No  one  will  be  able  to  resist  His  power :  Esth.xiii.g. 
iv.  How  many,  to  whom  this  revelation  will  bring  con- 
fusion and  terror :  e.g. 

a.  They  who  persistently  forgot  Him  in  life. 

b.  Who  openly  broke  His  law. 

c.  Who  opposed  and  fought  against  His  Church. 

d.  Who  lived  with  and  for  the  world. 

v.  Happy  they  who,  at  the  last,  can  cry  out  with   the 

Hebrews : 
"Show  us  Thy  face,  and  we  shall  be  saved."     Ps.  Ixxix.  4. 

vi.  Truly  will  the  sceptre  of  authority  be  resumed,  in  the 
eyes  of  all  men. 

As  Rectifier: 

i.  Wrong  cannot  finally  triumph. 
ii.  This  firm  conviction  in  mankind  is  proof 

a.  That  God  exists ;  and, 

b.  That  the  soul  is  immortal. 

iii.  At  the  last  day,  a  strong   hand  will   put  all  things 
right. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  253 

iv.  Hence,  however  much  I  rebel  now,  I  must  finally 

yield  to  God. 

v.  Happy   they   who    remember   that    life   is    only   a 
temporary  trial : 

a.  Wherein  the  good  oft  seem  without  support. 

b.  While    evil    seems    to    thrive     and     prosper : 

Ps.  Ixxii.  12. 
vi.  Let  the  thought  of  the  Judgment  day 

'a.  Restrain  you  in  the  midst  of  prosperity. 

b.  Comfort  and  strengthen  you  in  adversity.     For, 
vii.  At  the  Judgment  day,  all  things  will  be  rectified. 

As  Avenger : 

i.  On  those  who  resisted  Him  to  the  last : 

a.  Not  because  He  is  subject  to  passion,  like  men. 

b.  But  because  good  must  triumph,  and  evil  perish, 
ii.  If   we   are   striving   to   resist   mortal   sin,  and   live 

according   to  God,  the  thought   of   an   avenging 
Judge  need  not  distress  us. 

iii.  But  if  evil  habits  possess  us,  let  us  beware  in  time. 
Like  the  Alpine  climber,  with  the  precipice  before 

him.     For, 

iv.  Death  may  overtake  us  any  time,  and  cast  us  into 
the  abyss. 

As  Rewarder: 

i.  The  good  shall  reap  the  fruits  of  their  faith  and 

patience :  Mth.  x.  42. 
ii.  In  judgment,  they  will  see  the  face  of  Jesus  gentle 

and  smiling, 
iii.  Those  who  have  struggled  on  will  be  rewarded  with 

peace  eternal, 
iv.  Courage  therefore  in  well-doing. 

Three  Means  of  obtaining  a  favourable  judgment. 

i.  Judge  not  your  neighbour  :  Lke.  vi.  37. 

Repress  unkind  thought  and  language. 
ii.  As   we   deal   with   others,  God  will    deal  with  us : 

Mth.  xviii.  35. 

True  kindness  in  act  will  obtain  mercy, 
iii.  Let  us  judge  ourselves:   i  Cor.  xi.  31. 

By  self-examination  and  humble  confession. 


254  SERMON  PLANS 


127.     MIRACLES. 

"  The  blind  sec,  the  lame  walk,"  etc.     Mth.  xi.  5. 

i.  These  wonders  are  manifestations  of  the  power  and 

goodness  of  Christ, 
ii.  They    are     called    miracles — subject    for    to-day's 

instruction. 

Miracles : 

i.  Effects  beyond  the  order  and  laws  of  the  whole  of 

created  nature  :  S.  Thos. 
ii.  Of  two  kinds  : 

a.  Suspension  of  the  known  laws  of  nature :  e.g. 

If  a  man  should  walk  on  water. 

b.  Out   of    the   ordinary   course   of    nature,   and 

requiring  power,  superior  to  that  of  natural 
agents. 

Curing  diseases  in  a  moment, 
iii.  Possible: 

a.  The  laws  of  nature  are  not  immutable  in  se. 

God,  who  decreed  them,  can  alter  or  suspend 
them. 

b.  They  do  not  imply  contradiction  or  change  in 

God. 

God  has  not  bound  Himself  to  act  for  ever 
according  to  those  laws. 

"God   changes   His  works:    His   counsels   remain    the 
same."     S.  Aug. 

Instruments  used  in  miracles  : 

i.  RATIONAL  BEINGS: 

a.  A  ngels  :  f.g. 

Protection     of     Daniel     among    the     lions : 

Dan.  vi.  22. 
Moving  the  waters  of  Bethsaida:  Jn.  v.  4. 

b.  Men,  in  whom  God  requires 

i.  Internal  co-operation,  through  Faith  and 
Confidence. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  255 

2.  External  co-operation :  e.g. 
a.  By  command : 

Joshua,      commanding      the     sun : 

Jos.  x.  12. 

S.  Peter  and  the  lame  man :  Acts  iii.  6. 
ft.  By  prayer : 

Elias,  for  fire  from  Heaven  :  3  Kgs. 

xviii.  36. 
y.  By  touching : 

Elias  and  the  widow's  son :  3  Kgs. 

xvii.  21. 
8.  By  affirmation : 

Eliseus  and    his   servant's   leprosy : 

4  Kgs.  v.  27. 
ii.  IRRATIONAL  BEINGS  :   i  Cor.  i.  27. 

a.  For  correction  : 

Speech  in  Balaam's  ass :  Numb.  xxii.  28. 

b.  For  punishment  : 

Hornets  in  Canaan  :  Ex.  xxiii.  28. 

c.  For  favours : 

Ravens  feeding  Elias  :  3  Kgs.  xvii.  6. 
iii.  INANIMATE  BEINGS:  e.g. 

a.  Relics: 

Eliseus,  dividing  the  waters,  with  his  master's 

cloak:  4  Kgs.  ii.  14. 
Handkerchiefs   from   the  body  of    S.  Paul : 

Acts  xix.  12. 

b.  Holy  Images  : 

The  brazen  serpent :  Numb.  xxi.  9. 

c.  Holy  Things  : 

The  Ark,  dividing  the  Jordan  :  Jos.  iii. 

d.  Holy  Places : 

God's    promises    at    the    dedication   of    the 

Temple:  2  Par.  vi.  15. 

Naaman  cleansed  in  the  Jordan  :  4  Kgs.  v.  14. 
The  pool  of  Siloe :  Jn.  ix.  7. 

Lessons : 

i.  God's  mercy  and  power  are  not  shortened, 
ii.  Miracles  are  found  all  through  the  Church's  history, 
iii.  Even  nowadays  they  occur  :  Lourdes,  Holywell. 
iv.  Hence  confidence  in  God  in  every  want. 


256  SERMON  PLANS 


128.    SPIRITUAL   DISEASES. 

"The  blind  see,  the  lame  walk."     Mth.  xi.  5. 
i.  Bodily  ailments  are  types  of  ailments  in  the  soul, 
ii.  As  Christ  healed  the   former,  so  can   He  also  the 

latter:  for, 

He  is  the  Saviour  of  the  whole  man. 
iii.  Consider  some  spiritual  diseases  of  the  soul. 

The  blind  see: 

i.  They  are  spiritually  blind,  who 

a.  Are  wanting  in  faith. 

b.  Are  ignorant  of  divine  truths. 

c.  Do  not  recognize  evil,  where  evil  is. 

d.  Are  led  and  governed  by  their  passions, 
ii.  Remedies: 

a.  Prayer  to  God  :  "  Lord,  that  I  may  see." 

b.  Sincerity  with  one's  self. 

c.  Taking  means  to  know  God  and  His  holy  Law. 

Such  as  instruction,  spiritual  reading,  study, 
and  enquiry. 

The  lame  walk : 

i.  They  are  spiritually  lame,  who 

a.  Walk  not  according  to  God's  Law. 

b.  Follow  not  the  footsteps  of  Christ :   i  Jn.  ii.  6. 

c.  Stray  from  the  path  of  virtue  and  religion. 

d.  Tire  of  the  practices  of  Christian  life. 

e.  Wish  to  serve  both  God  and  the  world :  Mth. 

vi.  24. 
ii.  Remedies : 

a.  Take  Christ's  example,  as  your  guide  through 

life:  Jn.  xiii.  15. 

b.  Perseverance  in  well-doing. 

c.  Divide  not  the  heart,  but  give  it  wholly  to  God. 

His    claims    to  it,  and    our    own    interests 
demand  it. 


OAT  THE   GOSPELS  257 

The  lepers  are  cleansed: 

i.  They  are  spiritual  lepers,  who 

a.  Have  sin  in  the  soul,  mortal  or  venial. 

b.  Yield  to  unmodified  passions. 

Pride,  anger,  sensuality,  etc. 

c.  Most  hateful  before  God. 

As  leprosy  of  the  body  before  men. 
ii.  Remedies : 

a.  Frequentation  of  the  Sacraments. 

The  lepers  had   to  show  themselves  to  the 
priests :  Lke.  xvii.  14. 

b.  Avoidance  of  occasions  of  sin. 

c.  Thought  of  Death  and  Judgment :  Ecclus.  vii.  40 

The  deaf  hear: 

i.  They  are  spiritually  deaf,  who 

a.  Refuse  to  hear  God's  Word : 

Sermons,  instructions,  spiritual  reading. 

b.  Lull  the  voice  of  conscience. 

c.  Disobey  the  commands  of  lawful  superiors. 

d.  Hearken  rather  to  the  devil,  the  world,  and  the 

flesh, 
ii.  Remedies : 

a.  Shun  all  idle  gossip,  detraction,  etc. 

b.  Accept  correction  in  the  spirit  of  meekness. 

c.  If  you  hear  God's  voice,  harden  not  your  heart : 

Ps.  xciv.  8. 

Lessons : 

i.  Let  each  one  recognize  his  own  spiritual  defect ;  and, 
ii.  Whatever  it  be,  appeal  now  to  the  Divine  Physician  ; 

for, 

iii.  Advent  and  Christmas  are  times  of  special  mercy 
and  healing  grace. 


238  SER1HON  PLANS 


129.    SELF-KNOWLEDGE. 

"Who  art  thou?"    Jn.  i.  19. 

i.  Addressed  to  S.  John,  we  may  address  these  words 

to  ourselves, 
ii.  In  this  aspect,  brief  as  they  are,  they  are  full  of 

suggestion, 
iii.  Let  each  one  seriously  ask  himself,  and  answer  the 

question — 

Who  art  thou? 

i.  As  to  my  being  : 

a.  I    come    from    nothingness,   created    by   God 

Almighty. 

1.  My  body,  subject  to  sickness,  misery  and 

death. 

2.  My    soul,   a    prey    to    passion    and    evil 

inclinations. 

b.  I  live  for  awhile  on  earth,  then  I  must  die : 

1.  My  body  going  to  rottenness  in  the  tomb. 

2.  My  soul  falling  into  the  hands  of  its  Judge. 

c.  As  my  being  is  from  God,  He  has  rights  over 

me. 

1.  Supreme:   Him    I    must   obey   before   all: 

Mth.  iv.  10. 

2.  Absolute:  Of  me  and  mine  He  can  freely 

dispose:  Job  i.  21. 

3.  Universal :  Extending  to  all  I  have,  or  am. 

4.  Unavoidable  :  Willing  or  not,  I  must  submit. 

5.  Eternal :  Beginning  in  time,  but  having  no 

end.     For, 

d.  As  I   thus  belong  to  God,  I   shall  be  in  His 

presence  for  ever : 

1.  In  Heaven  ;  if  I  love  and  serve  Him  here. 

2.  In  Hell ;  if  I  refuse  to  obey  His  Law. 
ii.  As  to  my  vocation  : 

a.  I  am  a  Christian,  through  God's  special  grace. 

1.  Favoured    with     the     friendship    of     my 

Creator. 

2.  Aided   by  the   Sacraments,  etc.,  of   Holy 

Church. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  259 


b.  Do  I  correspond  with  the  dignity  thus  conferred  ? 

1.  In  my  manner  of  life. 

2.  In  my  appreciation  and  use  of  such  helps. 

3.  In    the   care   I    give   to   the   question   of 

salvation. 

c.  The  greater  my  dignity,  the  greater  also  my 

responsibility  :  Lke.  xii.  48. 
iii.  As  to  my  position  in  life  : 

a.  By  profession,  trade,  labour,  etc. 

b.  Do    I    fulfil    the    various    duties    of    this    my 

position  ? 

c.  Do  I  so  use  temporal  goods,  as  not  to  risk  the 

eternal  ? 

d.  Do  I  observe  the  laws  of  justice,  in  all  my 

dealings  ? 
iv.  As  to  length  of  days  : 

a.  When  was  I  born,  and  when  shall  I  die  ? 

b.  No  sooner  am  I  in  life,  than  I  begin  to  die. 

c.  The  longest  life  is  but  as  a  shadow  to  eternity. 

d.  The  patriarchs  lived  long  years  on  earth  :  e.g. 

Adam  lived  930  years  ! 
Noah  lived  950  years  ! 

Yet  of  each  it  is  said,  at  last :  "  And  he  died." 
Gen.  ix.  29. 

Conclusions : 

i.  As  I  am  God's  creature,  I  must 

a.  Humble  my  nothingness  before  Him. 

b.  Recognize  and  obey  His  Law. 

c.  Live  a  life  worthy  of  Him. 
ii.  As  I  am  a  Christian,  I  must 

a.  Avail  myself  of  God's  greater  graces. 

b.  Aim  at  higher  and  better  things. 

iii.  According  to  my  condition  in  life,  I  must  conscien- 
tiously fulfil  my  various  duties  and  obligations, 
iv.  As  I  am  not  made  for  time,  but  for  eternity,  I  must 

a.  Ever  keep  my  last  end  in  view :   Ecclus.  vii.  40. 

b.  Sacrifice  everything  to  attain  to  that  end. 

v.  Advent  is  a  time  for  such  thoughts  and  resolutions. 


260  SERMON  PLANS 


130.    MISSION   OF  S.  JOHN   BAPTIST. 

"  I  am  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness."    Jn.  i.  23. 

i.  On  three  Sundays  in  Advent,  the  Baptist  is  brought 

before  us. 
ii.  A  Saint  prominent  amongst  all,  especially  as  Our 

Lord's  Precursor, 
iii.  Two  points  to  consider  in  regard  to  him. 

I.  The  Holy  Ghost's  testimony  to  John : 

i.  From  the  Old  Testament : 

a.  To  enquirers  John  quotes  Isaias  xl.  3. 

4.  To   others,  Our   Lord   answers   from  another 

prophet:  Mai.  iii.  i. 
ii.  In  the  New  Testament : 

a.  His   birth    miraculously   announced,  like   Our 

Lord's:  Lke.  i.  13. 

b.  He   is   sanctified   in    his  mother's  womb,  like 

Jeremias :  i.  5. 

Hence  the  Church  honours  his  birth :  with 
other  Saints,  their  death. 

c.  His  Mission  was  divine,  not  self-imposed  : 

"A  man  sent  from  God,  whose  name  was  John."  Jn.  i.  6. 

1.  He  preaches  penance  and  pardon,  antici- 

pating the  Redeemer. 

2.  He  baptizes  his  converts,  and  hence  called 

the  Baptist. 

3.  So  holy,  that  he  is  taken  for  the  Messiah. 

4.  He  is  independent,  and  fearless  in  denounc- 

ing Herod :  Mth.  xiv.  4. 

d.  Our  Lord's  testimony  specially  exalts  him  : 

"More  than  a  prophet."     Mth.  xi.  9. 
"There  hath  not  risen  a  greater  than  John  the  Baptist." 
Mth.  xi.  M. 

Our  Lord  condescends  to  be  baptized  by  him : 
iii.  Hence  the  Church  bids  us  honour  and  imitate  the 

Baptist : 

a.  Prominence  given  to  his  name  and  work  :  e.g. 
i.  In  the  Confittor}  Litany  of  the  Saints,  etc. 


OM  THE  GOSPELS  261 

2.  These  Sundays  recall   his   preaching  and 

example. 

b.  A  great  Saint,  worthy  of  being  honoured  and 
invoked  by  all. 

II.  John's  testimony  to  Christ :   Jn.  i.  8. 

i.  His  testimony : 

"One  in  the  midst  of  you,  whom  you  know  not."    Jn.  i.  26. 

"  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God."    Jn.  i.  29. 

''  He  that  shall  come  after  me  is  mightier  than  I."  Mth.  iii.  II. 

ii.  Testimony  difficult  to  offer : 

a.  Few    outward    evidences   of    His   mission    to 

appeal  to. 

b.  He  had  to  preach  one  unknown  and  rejected. 

"  One  whom  you  know  not."     "His  own  received  Him 
not."    Jn.  i. 

c.  He  preached  before  Christ,  the  Apostles  after, 

with  His  example  before  them, 
iii.  Testimony  free  from  self-seeking  : 

a.  He  is  taken  for  Elias,  and  even  the  Messiah. 

b.  He  disclaims  the  honour,  and 

c.  Simply  announces  Another,  greater  than  himself. 

Pride  so  often  thinks  itself  greater  than  the 

reality, 
iv.  Testimony  strengthened  by  his  mode  of  life. 

a.  His  penance  and  mortification  :  Mth.  iii.  4. 

b.  His  humility  in  shunning  all  self-seeking, 
v.  Not  intimidated  by  opposition  : 

a.  He  preaches  the  same  lessons  to  all,  despite 

consequences. 

b.  Heeding  not  the  judgment  of  men  :  i  Cor.  iv.  3. 

Lessons : 

i.  All  must  give  testimony  of  Christ,  at  least  by  their 

good  lives, 
ii.  Sometimes  by  speech  also,  in  favour  of  justice  and 

religion ;  for, 

Silence  may  often  be  interpreted  as  approving  evil, 
iii.  Prayer  to  the  courageous  Baptist,  against  fear  and 

human  respect, 
iv.  Lively  Faith  in  the  Messiah,  despite  all  appearances. 


262  SERMON  PLANS 


131.     PREPARATION    FOR   CHRISTMAS. 

"  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord."     Lke.  iii.  4. 

i.  These  words  from  Isaias  are  appropriate  to  these 

days, 
ii.  As  the  Baptist  preached  to  the  Jews,  the  Church 

speaks  to  us :  viz. 

Four  chief  points: 

i.  Every  valley  shall  be  filled  :  (negative  sins). 

a.  A  valley  may  represent  a  void  to  be  filled  in  :  i.e. 

b.  Negative  sins  of  omission  to  be  repaired :  e.g. 

1.  Omission  of  daily  prayers. 

2.  Neglect  of  Sunday  Mass,  so  common  ! 

3.  Indifference  to  the  Sacraments. 

4.  Failure  to  make  restitution  of   goods   or 

character. 
Duty  as  difficult  as  it  is  essential. 

5.  Duties  of  state  of  life  unheeded. 

6.  Human  respect,  or  want  of  moral  courage. 

c.  Sins  of  omission  are  often  as  grievous  as  sins 

of  commission, 
ii.  Every  mountain  and  hill  brought  low :  (positive  sins). 

a.  Of  greater  sins  (mountain)  none  will  deny  the 

guilt :  e.g. 
Pride,  impurity,  grievous  injustice.     But, 

b.  Lesser  sins  (hill)  are  often  despised  :  e.g. 

1.  Antipathy  to  certain  persons. 

2.  Meanness  of  character  and  conduct. 

3.  Touchiness,  or  jealousy. 

4.  Impatience  and  irritability. 

5.  Curiosity,  and  its  evil  consequences. 

c.  All  these  must  be  resisted  and  brought  low  by 

victory. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  263 


iii.  The  crooked  made  straight :  e.g. 

a.  Deceitfulness  and  duplicity. 

b.  All  forms  of  injustice  to  others. 

c.  Hypocrisy.* 

d.  Doing  evil  that  good  may  come. 

e.  Vicious  habits  to  be  corrected. 

iv.  Rough  ways  made  plain  (by  the  coming  grace  of  God) : 

a.  Difficulties  of  the  spiritual  life  smoothed  down. 

b.  Observance  of  the  commandments  facilitated. 

c.  Even  counsels  of  perfection  made  easy. 

d.  Trials  of  life  made  bearable. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Let  us  thus  prepare  ourselves  for  Our  Lord's  coming. 
Putting   into   practical    form   the   words   of    the 

Prophet. 

ii.  Then  shall  we  see  the  salvation  of  God,  i.e.  Jesus 
our  Saviour. 

a.  In  the  stable  at  Bethlehem ;  or, 

b.  In  the  Holy  Eucharist,  by  faith. 

c.  Here,  by  the  light  of  grace. 

d.  Hereafter,  in  the  light  of  glory. 

iii.  Different  receptions  Our  Lord  meets  with  : 

a.  The  bad  Christian  receives  Him  like  the  Jews. 

b.  The  good  Christian,  like  the  animals  in  the  stable. 

c.  The  fervent  Christian,  like  the  Shepherds. 

d.  The  perfect  Christian,  even  as  Mary  and  Joseph, 
iv.  Be   it   our   endeavour   to   approach  the   Crib  with 

perfect  dispositions. 

Then  only  shall  we  fully  realize  the  meaning  of 
the  Incarnation. 


*  As  a  tomb  when  closed  may  be  made  beautiful  to  the  eye,  but 
Once  opened  is  most  horrible  to  behold,  so  the  hypocrite,  as  long  as  he 
is  not  known  may  seem  worthy  of  praise,  but  once  discovered  is 
abominable  indeed — S.  Chrysostoin.  Leaven  corrupts  the  whole  mass 
of  dough,  and  hypocrisy  undoes  all  the  works  of  a  man. 


264  SERMON  PLANS 


132.     GOD'S   LOVE   FOR   MAN. 
"  AH  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God."     Lke.  iii.  6. 

i.  As  the  sun  is  in  the  physical  world,  Love  is  in  the 
social  world. 

a.  It  infuses  warmth  and  beauty  into  the  most 

ordinary  existence. 

b.  The  world  would  be  dreary  indeed,  except  for 

the  sunshine  of  love, 
ii.  If  human  love  be  full  of  beauty  and  gladness,  how 

much  more  so  God's  love ! 
iii.  As   we   are   now   to   celebrate   a   mystery  of   love, 

consider  the 

I.  Intensity  of  God's  Love  : 
i.  He  never  wearies  expressing  it :  e.g. 

"  Fear  not  ...   I  have  redeemed  thce  .  .   .  thou  art  Mine." 

Is.  xliii.  I. 

"I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love."     Jer.  xxxi.  3. 
"As  the    Father  hath   loved    Me,   I   also  have   loved  you." 

Jn.  xv.  9. 

ii.  Our  Lord  represents  Himself  as 

a.  The    devoted   father   of    an    ungrateful    son : 

Lke.  xv. 

b.  The  shepherd,  tending  his  flock :  Ibid. 

c.  The  good  Samaritan  :  Lke.  x. 

d.  The    hen,    gathering    her    chickens   together : 

Mth.  xxiii.  37. 
iii.  His  love  is  not  inactive,  but  proves  itself  in  deeds : 

a.  Our  Creation  and  Preservation. 

b.  The  bestowal  of  the  supernatural  Life. 

c.  The  abasement  of  the  Incarnation. 

d.  The    Real    Presence,   that   we   might   not    be 

orphans:  Jn.xiv.  18. 

e.  The  Sacrament  of    Holy  Communion :    Prov. 

viii.  31. 
/.  Finally,   the    Beatific    Vision,   as    our    eternal 

reward. 
All  which  proves  love  so  intense  as  almost  to 

crush  our  hearts. 

iv.  Human  love  is  the  veriest  mockery  of  love,  compared 
with  that  which  God  shows  to  the  humblest  soul. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  265 

II.  Personal  Character  of  God's  Love: 

i.  Man  yearns  to  be  loved  individually,  and  not  merely 
as  one  of  a  crowd. 

a.  We  may  doubt  a  love  that  is  shared  by  others. 

b.  This  may  be  just  of  human  and  finite  love. 

1.  Where  there  is  gain  in  quantity,  there  is 

loss  in  quality. 

2.  As  a  deep  river  would  have  no  depth,  if 

spread  over  miles  of  land. 

ii.  God's  love  is  eminently  personal,  and  from  heart  to 
heart. 

a.  It   is   like    the   divine    knowledge,    embracing 

every  single  existence. 

b.  We  give  thought  to  one  thing  only  at  a  time  : 

so  also  our  love. 
iii.  God  loves  me  individually,  because 

a.  He  has  made  me  to  His  image. 

b.  He  has  enriched  me  with  His  Grace. 

c.  He  has  made  me  His  child,  and  heir  to  His 

kingdom  :  Gal.  ii.  20. 
iv.  This   love   of    me   increases,  as   my  own    personal 

sanctity  increases. 
But  it  is  quite  independent  of   the  love  lavished 

on  others. 

v.  Realizing  this,  we  come  to  understand  the  joyous- 
ness  of  monks  and  hermits  : 

a.  No  other  supposition  can  explain  it. 

b.  Even  we  in  the  world  must  draw  our  gladness 

from  the  same. 

Lessons : 

i.  A   consoling   thought — that    God    loves    each    one 

intensely  and  personally, 
ii.  To  love  is  to  wish  well : 

a.  If  a  man  desire  happiness  for  another,  or  give 

him  a  favour,  we  conclude  he  has  true  love. 

b.  The  cost  of  the  gift  marks  in  some  measure 

the  degree  of  the  love, 
iii.  Apply  this  principle  to  God,  and  see  what  He  gives 

— Himself. 
How   strange   and   sad  that,  even  so,  men  love 

creatures  more, 
iv.  Realize  God's  Love  in  the  approaching  festival. 


366  SERMON   PLANS 


133.     CHILD  OF   BETHLEHEM. 

"You  shall  find  the  Infant  .  .  .   laid  in  a  manger."     Lke.  ii.  12. 

i.  To-day  the   Christian  world  thinks  of    Bethlehem 

and  the  divine  Child. 

ii.  Let  us  this  morning  think  of  Him,  and  consider 
three  questions : 

I.  Who  is  this  Child? 

i.  To  all  appearances   an  ordinary  child  and  of   the 

poorest.     But, 
ii.  Looked  at  through  faith,  a  child  of  all  children  most 

perfect,  etc. 
iii.  The  Child : 

a.  Promised  of  old  to  the  world.     Gen.  iii.  15:  etc. 

b.  Prefigured :  e.g.  in  Abel,  Isaac,  Moses,  etc. 

c.  Foretold  by  the  Prophets,  ages  beforehand. 

iv.  Child  whom  angels  were  sent  to  announce:  Lke.  ii.  10. 
v.  The  Son  of  God  Himself,  the  Word  made  flesh, 
vi.  The  Child  named  Jesus,  who 

a.  Grew  in  wisdom  and  grace,  with  God  and  man. 

b.  Worked  such  wonders  among  the  people. 

c.  Died    on    the  Cross,    and    finally  ascended  to 

Heaven. 

d.  Founded  the  Church  of  which  we  are  members. 

e.  Remains  yet  among  us  in  the  Bl.  Sacrament. 
/.  Will   be  our  future  Judge,  and,  let   us   hope, 

Reward. 

vii.  Such  the  Child  whom  the  Heavens  adore  this  day  ! 
Let  us  too  adore  in  faith  and  humility. 

II.  How  is  He  born? 

i.  In  a  way  quite  different  from  what  man  would  expect. 

a.  Not  in  outward  greatness  and  comfort. 

b.  Not  of  wealthy  parents,  nor  in  a  palace. 

c.  But  in  poverty,  humility  and  suffering. 

ii.  Edict  of  Augustus,  and  the  journey  to  Bethlehem, 

some  70  miles. 

The  Cave  .  .  .  The  Crib  .  .  .  The  animals  .  .  . 
The  Angels  .  .  .  The  Shepherds. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  267 

iii.  Mary  and  Joseph  tending  to  His  wants, 
iv.  Angels  adoring  unseen. 

III.  Why  thus  born? 

i.  Why  not  born  in  splendour  and  pomp  ? 

a.  According  to    human  ideas,    He   should   have 

been.     But, 

b.  God's  thoughts  and  designs  differ  from  those  of 

men  :  Is.  Iv.  8. 
ii.  To   condemn   and   expiate   our   pride,   avarice   and 

sensuality. 
iii.  To  oppose,  by  His  example, 

a.  Humility  to  love  of  honours. 

b.  Poverty  to  love  of  riches. 

c.  Mortification  to  love  of  pleasure, 
iv.  To  draw  men  to  Himself. 

"  Come  to  Me,  all  you  that  labour  and  are  burdened." 
Mth.  xi.  28. 

a.  What  more  lovable  than  a  child  ? 

b.  What  better  calculated  to  inspire  confidence  ? 

c.  He    does    not    terrify    by    magnificence    and 

splendour, 
v.  That  recognizing  God  in  the   Babe  of  Bethlehem, 

we  be  led  to  love  the  invisible  things  of  God. 
vi.  What  help  and   encouragement  to  the   practice  of 

virtue ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Great  gladness  and  joy  this  day :  Lke.  ii.  10. 
ii.  Triple  Mass  allowed,  representing  Our  Lord's 

a.  Eternal  birth  from  the  Father,  in  Heaven. 

b.  Temporal  birth  from  His  Mother,  on  Earth. 

c.  Spiritual  birth  into  our  souls,  by  Grace, 
iii.  Receive  Him  worthily  and  well : 

a.  Not  like  the  Bethlehemites,  or  Herod. 

b.  But  like  the  Shepherds,  even  like  Mary  and 

Joseph. 

iv.  Imitate  the  virtues  of  His  birth, 
v.  Go  to  visit  Him  in  the  Crib,  or  on  the  Altar. 


a68  SERMON  PLANS 


134.     THE   INCARNATION. 

"The  Word  was  made  flesh."    Jn.  i.  14. 
i.  This,  the  solemn  expression  of  to-day's  mystery. 
ii.  Mystery  beyond  the  comprehension  of  man. 
iii.  Yet  we  may  devote  some  thought  to  its  definition. 

The  Word : 

i.  The  offspring  of  mental  activity  is  thought. 
ii.  The  outward  expression  of  thought  is  language,  or 

word. 

As  in  the  case  of  this  instruction. 
iii.  The  knowledge  the  eternal  Father  has  of  Himself  is 

the  Son.     Hence, 
iv.  The  outward  expression  of  that  knowledge  is  called 

the  Word. 
Retaining  His  deity,  majesty,  glory  and  perfections. 

Was  made : 

i.  Not,  was  changed  into  flesh,  or  vice  versa. 

ii.  Nor,  was  a  third  nature  formed  of  the  human  and 

the  divine. 

iii.  Nor,  was  a  second  personality  assumed, 
iv.  But,  became  flesh,  assuming  our  human  nature. 

a.  Not  for  His  own  sake,  who  gained  but  humilia- 

tion and  death. 

b.  But  through  purest  love  for  man. 

c.  To  redeem  us  from  sin,  misery  and  hell. 

v.  How   great   His  love!      How   great  our   gratitude 
should  be ! 

Flesh  (man) : 

i.  Passing  over  the  nature  of  the  Angels, 
ii.  Taking  to  Himself  the  nature  of  man. 

Inferior  almost  to  the  animals,  because  corrupted 

by  sin. 

iii.  Degradation  and  humiliation  of  the  Son  of  God  in  this! 
Imagine  any  one  taking  the  nature  of  an  animal, 

to  save  it ! 

iv.  It  was  this  mystery,  perhaps,  the  Angels  were  com- 
manded to  adore. 
Many  in  pride  refused,  and  so  fell  from  God. 


OAT   THE  GOSPELS  269 


Two  Natures  therefore  in  Christ : 

i.  Each  whole  and  entire,  the  two  constituting  the  Man- 
God. 

"  As  the  rational  soul  and  flesh  is  one  man,  so  God  and 
man  is  one  Christ."     Athan,  Crd. 

a.  The  Divine  nature,  from  the  Father,  from  eternity. 

Through  which  He  wrought  His  many  miracles. 

b.  The  Human  nature,  from  His  Mother,  in  time, 

In  which  He  suffered  and  died, 
ii.  Typified,  in  the  chalice  at  Mass,  by 

a.  The  Wine,  not  blessed,  as  recalling  the  Divinity. 

b.  The     Water,     blessed,     as     representing     the 

Humanity. 

iii.  Most  intimately  united,  yet  not  lost  or  confused.* 
iv.  Once  assumed,  the  Humanity  remains  Christ's  for 

ever, 
v.  This  intimate  union  explains  such  expressions  as  : 

"  I  and  the  Father  are  one,"  (as  God).     Jn.  x.  30. 

"  The  Father  is  greater  than  I,"  (as  Man).     Jn.  xiv.  28. 

vi.  United  in  the  one  person  of  the  Son  of  God. 
vii.  In   assuming   human   nature,    He   still   retains   the 

divine. 
A  prince,  though   clothed   in   poverty,  is   still   a 

prince. 

viii.  A  double  likeness  thus  established  between  God  and 
man  : 

a.  In  the  Trinity,  man  is  like  God,  by  the  three 

powers  of  his  one  soul. 

b.  In  the  Incarnation,  God  is  like  man,  by  the  two 

natures  of  his  one  person. 

Lessons : 

i.  Faith,  and  adoration  of  the  "  Word  made  flesh." 
ii.  Gratitude  for  this  mystery  of  Redemption, 
iii.  Reverence  for  that  same  Word  present  on  the  altar. 


*  Melt  down  two  pieces  of  iron,  and  they  mix  and  become  lost  in 
each  other ;  but  melt  a  piece  of  gold  and  a  piece  of  iron ;  you  may 
weld  them  into  one  metal  bar,  yet,  though  closely  united,  they  remain 
distinct  from  each  other.  So,  with  the  two  natures  of  Our  Lord,  in  the 
Incarnation, 


270  SERMON  PLANS 


135.     THE    PROPHECY   OF  SIMEON. 

i.  As  to  Our  Lord :  He  is  to  be  set  for 

a.  The  fall  of  many. 

b.  The  resurrection  of  many. 

c.  A  sign  to  be  contradicted. 

ii.  As  to  the  Bl.  Virgin:  a  sword  of  grief  shall  pierce 

her  soul. 
iii.  Consider  the  prophecy,  and  the  principles  it  implies. 

I.  The  Fall  of  many:  the  involuntary  cause  of  many 

being  lost. 

First  Principle :  all  the  evil  we  do  is  from  ourselves, 
i.  Sin  arises  from  our  own  choice  of  what  is  against 

the  Law  of  God  :  Osee  xiii.  9. 
ii.  Man's  will  is  free  and  God  will  not  force  His  noble 

gift. 
Though  He  punishes  or  rewards,  according  to  our 

use  of  it. 
iii.  The  Divine  Child  came  to  found  the  kingdom  of  the 

Church, 
iv.  God's  design  was  to  bring  the  Jews  to   faith   and 

salvation, 

Though  foreseeing  that  many  would  resist. 
v.  Yet  He  did  not  alter  His  design  : 

a.  The  rebellion  of  the  Jews  gave  the  Gospel  to 

the  Gentiles ;  and, 

b.  A  greater  harvest  of  souls  was  thus  gathered 

to  the  Church. 
vi.  God  does  not  will  evil,  though  permitting  it ; 

a.  Man  is  made  for  salvation  : 

b.  If  he  fail  therein,  he  alone  is  responsible. 

c.  Thus  is  Our  Lord  the  indirect  cause  of  the  "fall 

of  many." 

II.  The  Resurrection  of  many:  the  direct  cause  of 

justification  and  salvation. 
Second  principle :  we  owe  to  God  all  the  good  that  is 

in  us. 
i.  Though  man  may  ruin  himself,  he  cannot  alone  save 

himself.     For, 

All  creation  together  could  not  repair  the  evil  of 
sin.     But, 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  271 


ii.  Christ  merited  reconciliation,  and  our  co-operation 

with  grace. 
He  is  thus  the  cause  of  our  rising  spiritually  from 

death  to  life, 
iii.  If  we  possess  faith,  humility,  etc.,  it  is  to  Him  we 

owe  them, 
iv.  He  is  the  way  we  must  follow  for  eternal  life ;  being, 

a.  The  direct  and  voluntary  cause  of  our  justifica- 

tion before  God. 

b.  Being  thus  set  for  the  "  resurrection  of  many." 

III.  A  Sign  to  be  contradicted :  through  our  opposi- 

tion to  Him. 
Third  Principle:  we  contradict  God's  design,  when 

we  neglect  salvation, 
i.  The  means  of  salvation  are,  chiefly : 

a.  Belief  of  the  truths  of  revelation. 

b.  Observance  of  the  Commandments. 

c.  Reception  of  the  Sacraments. 

d.  Use  of  prayer. 

ii.  It  is  worth  while,  at  the  year  end,  to  see  if 

a.  We  are  aiming  at  salvation  through  these  means. 

b.  We  refer  all  things  to  the  glory  of  God. 

c.  We  try  to  repair  past  evil  by  penance. 

IV.  Sword  of  Sorrow,  in  Mary's  heart. 

Fourth  Principle :    it  is  the  lot  of  all  on  earth  to 

suffer:  Job  vii.  i. 
i.  The  depth  of  Mary's  grief  may  be  measured,  by 

a.  Him  in  whom  she  suffered — her  beloved  Son. 

b.  The  dignity  of  His  person — the  Son  of  God. 

c.  The  grievous  pains  He  endured  in  body  and 

soul. 

d.  The  duration  of  her  sufferings — the  lifetime  of 

her  Son. 
ii.  Through  her  sanctified  sufferings,  she  became   the 

"  Queen  of  Martyrs." 
iii.  By  her  personal   experience,  she  can  truly  be  the 

"  Comfort  of  the  afflicted." 

Be   the    coming   of    Jesus    your   resurrection,   and    not 
your  fall. 


27a  SERMON  PLANS 


136.     THE   DIVINE   INFANCY. 

"They  returned  into  Galilee,  to  their  city  Nazareth."    Lke.  ii.  39. 
i.  Every  portion  of  Our  Lord's  life  and  character  is 

deserving  of  study, 
ii.  The  close  of  to-day's  Gospel  recalls  His  childhood 

and  youth. 

His  home  in  Nazareth  a  humiliation  to  Our  Lord, 
i.  It  drew  on  Him  the  contempt  of  men,  because 

a.  Nazareth  was  a  despised  place.* 

b.  This  fact  imparted  obscurity  to  its  inhabitants. 

c.  Jesus  hereby  teaches  us  humility ;  for, 

d.  We  sometimes  take  pride  in  our  place  of  birth ;  or, 

e.  We  are  ashamed  of  our  humble  origin.     Yet, 

/.  We  should  be  content  with  the  dispositions  of 

Providence  therein, 
ii.  It  created  prejudice  against  Him. 

a.  One  of  His  followers  even  doubted  His  claims, 

through  living  there. 
"Can  anything  of  good  come  from  Nazareth?"    Jn.  i.  46. 

b.  Thus  did  the  Galileans  think :  how  much  more 

the  rest  of  Judea  who  despised  Galilee  ? 

c.  The  prejudices  of  men  about  nationality,  origin, 

etc.  often  foolish  and  unfounded. 

d.  Bear  with  them,  if  subject  to  them,  and  let 

them  not  disturb  you,  nor  prevent  you  seeking 
perfection, 
iii.  It  drew  many  insults  on  Him. 

a.  How  often  was  He  called,  in  mockery, 

1.  Nazarene  ?    as    stated     on    His    Cross  : 

Jn.  xix.  19. 

2.  Galilean  ?  as  by  Julian  the  Apostate.! 

b.  Yet  the  early  Saints  used  these  names  to  heal 

the   sick   and    drive   away   the   evil    spirits : 
Acts  iii.  6. 

c.  Bear  humiliations  and  insults,  so  to  obtain  glory 

and  reward. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  273 

The  Child  grew  in  wisdom  and  grace. 

i.  In  Body,  He  grew  in  strength. 

a.  To  become  a  victim  for  man's  sin  to  the  glory 

of  the  Father. 

b.  We  strengthen  too  often  for  indulgence  and  sin. 
ii.  In  His  Soul,  He  grew  in  Wisdom. 

a.  As  Son  of  God,  He  was  full  of  wisdom.     But, 

b.  He  only  showed  of  it  what  was  suited  to  His  age. 

c.  A  model  for  parents  to  present  to  their  children. 

In  humility,  meekness,  obedience,  etc. 
iii.  He  grew  also  in  grace. 

a.  Exterior  charm  of  body.     Hence  was  He 
"Beautiful  above  the  sons  of  men."     Ps.  xliv.  3. 

b.  Modesty  and  dignity  of  speech  and  bearing. 

c.  Interior  grace,  which  He  came  to  restore  to  men. 

d.  Parents  strive  to  render  their  children  attractive 

before  men. 

e.  Have  they  the  same  zeal  to  make  them  pleasing 

to  God  ? 
/.  Too  often,  even  in  young  years,  they  are  already 

sinners,  and  slaves  to  evil  habits, 
iv.  Let  parents  study  to  make  their  children  grow  in 

grace  like  Jesus. 
A  fearful  responsibility  is  theirs,  in  this  respect ! 


*  It  is  remarkable  that  Nazareth,  place  so  dear  now  to  the  Christian 
heart,  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Old  Testament,  nor  by  the  historian, 
Josephus.  So  far  as  its  subsequent  history  can  be  gathered,  it  never 
rose  to  distinction,  till  the  time  of  the  Crusades,  and  then  it  became 
again  an  insignificant  village.  There  is  a  sort  of  latent  beauty  in  the 
idea  of  Him,  who  made  all  things  out  of  nothing,  Himself  coming  forth 
before  the  world  from  a  place  that  had  no  history. —  Thomson, 

+  When  Julian  in  battle  was  at  length  pierced  by  an  arrow,  receiving 
in  his  hand  the  blood  from  his  wound,  he  is  said  to  have  cast  it  up  to 
Heaven,  exclaiming:  "O  Galilean,  thou  hast  conquered  me,"  and  so 
saying,  he  died. 


274  SERMON  PLANS 


137.  THOUGHTS  FOR  THE  NEW  YEAR. 

"  After  eight  days  were  accomplished."     Lke.  ii.  21. 

i.  God  ordained  that  Jewish  children  should  be  circum- 
cised on  the  eighth  day. 

Beginning  of  a  new  week,  typical  of  a  new  life, 
ii.  Instead  of  a  new  week,  consider  to-day  the  New  Year. 

a.  Congratulations  to  all  on  such  an  occasion. 

b.  Some  thoughts  now  on  the  good  use  of  the  future. 

The  Old  Year : 

i.  Another  year  just  expired,  now  a  thing  of  the  past. 

a.  Its  sorrows  and  joys,  its  pains  and  pleasures  gone. 

b.  So  also,  its  graces  and  blessings  and  sins. 

Though  the  effects  of  all  these  may  remain, 
ii.  For  the  past  year,  we  owe  to  God  a  two- fold  duty,  of 

a.  Reparation,  for  evil  committed. 

b.  Gratitude,  for  graces  received. 

iii.  Many  began  it  with  ourselves  who  never  saw  the 
end  of  it. 

a.  They  have  entered  the  house  of  their  eternity, 

for  weal  or  for  woe. 

In  this  parish  alone,  .  .  .  have  died  in  the 
course  of  it. 

b.  The  same  some  day  will  be  said  of  us  also. 

Hence,  it  is  well  we  should  think  seriously  on 

The  New  Year : 

i.  A   further   gift   of   time   bestowed,   by   the    Divine 

Mercy, 
ii.  A  first  reflexion :  shall  we  see  the  end  of  it  ? 

a.  Millions  will  certainly  not. 

Some  90,000  daily  pass  out  of  life. 

b.  Even  this  very  day,  thousands  have  died  already ! 
iii.  A  year  will  come,  of  which  we  shall  see  the  beginning, 

but  shall  not  reach  the  end. 

If  we  really  believe  this,  let  us  resolve  to-day  to 
take 

The  Chief  Means  to  spend  the  year  well : 

Almost  commonplaces,  yet  wonderfully  efficacious 
in  practice. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  275 

i.  Daily  Prayer: 

a.  Source  of  spiritual  strength  and  protection. 

b.  Natural    duty    of    rational    beings — too    often 

omitted.     Hence, 

c.  Teach  young  children  to  acquire  and  retain  this 

salutary  habit, 
ii.   Weekly  Mass  : 

a.  God,  the  author  of  our  time,  might  require  us  to 

give  it  all  to  Him. 

b.  The  voice  of  nature  even  bids  us  devote  at  least 

some  of  it  to  Him. 

c.  God  demands  that  one  day  in  the  week  be  con- 

secrated to  His  service. 

d.  The  Church   commands  us  to  sanctify  it   by 

hearing  Mass. 

e.  Alas!  how  many  fail  to  obey  the  simple  com- 

mand ! 
Neglect  of  Sunday  Mass,  a  crying  evil  of  our 

times. 

/.  Guard  against  such  sinful  omission  ;  for, 
Experience  shows  it  is  hard  to  amend, 
iii.  Annual  Precept  of  the  Church  :  viz. 

a.  Confession : 

1.  Usually  at  Easter,  as  preparation  for  Com- 

munion. 

2.  Binding  all  the  Faithful,  having  attained 

the  use  of  reason. 

b.  Communion : 

1.  Once  a  year,  at  Easter  or  thereabouts. 

2.  Under  pain  of  mortal  sin  ;  for, 

3.  Unless  we  eat  this  Bread,  we  shall  not  have 

spiritual  life:  Jn.-vi.  54. 

c.  How  many  refuse  even  this  to  God ! 

1.  How  can  these  hope  to  spend  the  year  well  ? 

2.  How  look  for  the  Sacraments  in  death,  if 

they  neglect  them  in  life  ? 

Resolutions : 

i.  To  spend  this  year  well,  by  taking  these  simple  means, 
ii.  To  season  these  with  mortification  and  self-denial, 
iii.  To  make  thus  our  days  full  days,  worthy  of  full 
reward. 


276  SERMON  PLANS 


138,    THE   HOLY   NAME. 

"  His  name  shall  be  called  Jesus."     Lke.  ii.  21. 
i.  In  the  Old  Law,  names  were  given  on  the  eighth 

day  after  birth. 

ii.  Consider,  on  this  eighth  day  of  Our  Lord's  life,  His 
sacred  Name. 

A  Name : 

i.  In  honouring  a  name  we  honour  all  it  implies. 

As  in  honouring   the  Crucifix,  we   honour    Him 

who  died  on  it. 
ii.  Two  stand  out  prominently  among  all  holy  names : 

a.  Jehovah,  in  the  Old  Law  : 

1.  Meaning  Being  of  beings,  Being  on  whom 

all  depends. 

2.  Name  used  by  Moses,  as  sanction  of   his 

mission  :  Ex.  iii.  14. 

3.  Name  of  great  awe  and  majesty. 

a.  The  High  Priest  alone  allowed  to 
pronounce  it,  once  a  year. 

ft.  The  whole  of  the  Old  Law,  a  reign 
of  fear  and  punishment. 

4.  But  another  period  followed — the  Law  of 

grace  and  love. 
Wherein  we  have  the  other  name,  viz. 

b.  Jesus,  in  the  New  Law. 

Jesus : 

i.  Hebrew  word  meaning  Saviour:  Mth.  i.  21. 
ii.  Others  had  borne  .this  name,  types  of    our  divine 

Saviour :  e.g. 
Josue,  or  Jesus,  saviour  of    his   people :   Ecclus. 

xlvi.  i. 

Jesus,  son  of  Sidrach  :  Ibid.  1.  29. 

iii.  Our  Lord  fulfilled  the  office  implied  by  this  name : 
for, 

a.  He  offered  Himself  to  God,  as  victim  for  man's 

redemption. 

b.  The  sacrifice    of    the  Cross  of    infinite   value 

before  God ;  and 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  277 

c.  Of  universal  efficacy  for  all  men  : 

1.  In   those    preceding    Him,    through    faith 

in  a  future  Saviour. 

2.  In  those  following,  by  their  living  up  to 

His  teachings. 

d.  He  thus  saved  and  delivered  His  people  from 

sin  and  hell, 
iv.  This  holy  name  is  one  of : 

a.  Power :  recalling  Him  by  whom  all  things  were 

made. 
Cure  of  the  lame  man  :  Acts  iii.  6. 

b.  Love  : 

1.  Awakening    gratitude   for   the    author   of 

salvation. 

2.  Arousing  devotion  to  Our  Saviour,  still  on 

the  altar. 

c.  Victory :  by  it  we  may  overcome  all  temptation, 
v.  To  our  souls,  this  name  is  as 

a.  Light: 

1.  Whence  has  the  world  the  light  of  faith, 

but  by  the  preaching  of  this  name  ? 

2.  By   it   we    come   to   the    light   of    God's 

knowledge  :   i  Pet.  ii.  9. 

3.  Carried  by  missionaries  into  the  darkness 

of  paganism. 

b.  Food : 

1.  Giving  strength  to  the  soul,  when  lovingly 

dwelt  on.     S.  Bern. 

2.  Inspiring  the  mind  with  chaste  thoughts 

and  pure  affections. 

c.  Medicine : 

1.  Bringing  comfort  to  the  heart  in  sorrow. 

2.  Giving  courage,  amid  trial  and  doubt. 

Lessons ; 

i.  Deep  respect  for  this  most  holy  Name  :  Phil.  ii.  10. 

a.  Practice  of  bowing  the  head  at  it,  indulgenced 

by  Sixtus  V. 

b.  Exact  observance  of  the  second  commandment, 
ii.  Tender  love,  in  ejaculations  and  prayer. 

iii.  Confidence  in  its  power,  in  danger  and  trial, 
iv.  Atonement,  for  profanation  of  the  Holy  Name. 


278  SERMON  PLANS 


139,     S.  THOMAS  OF  CANTERBURY. 

i.  S.  Thomas,  the  great  martyr  Saint  of  England, 
ii.  Patron  of  the  English  Clergy,  for  whom  pray  during 

this  octave. 

iii.  Study   something   of  his    life,   and   draw   practical 
lessons  therefrom. 

The  Saint  at  Court: 

i.  Thomas  a  Beckett  was  born  in  London,  A.D.  1117. 

a.  Soon  distinguished  for  his  talent  and  virtue. 

b.  At  length,  he  studied  at  home  and  abroad  for 

the  priesthood. 

ii.  Appointed  Chancellor  of  England  by  King  Henry  II. 
Here   his    integrity   and    amiability   gained   him 

universal  esteem. 

iii.  The   See   of  Canterbury  becoming  vacant,  he  was 
nominated  thereto  by  the  King. 

a.  The  Saint  warned  him  that  royal  abuses  would 

no  longer  be  tolerated. 

b.  Only  when  pressed  by  the  Pope,  did  he  accept 

the  appointment,  A.D.  1162. 
iv.  Amid  the  glory  and  splendour  around  him,  Thomas 

a.  Ever  practised  austerity  and  penance. 

b.  Rose  early  for  his  daily  devotions  and  study. 

c.  Had  most  regular  hours  for  his  routine  of  work. 

d.  Preached  often,  and  without  fear  of  the  great, 
v.  Lessons: 

a.  S.  Thomas  is  an  example  of  a  truly  mortified 

life,  in  high  position. 

b.  If  we  wish  to  convert  England,  we  must  study 

austerity  and  perfection. 

1.  By  these  alone,  can  we  gain  power  with 

God. 

2.  Without  them,  we  cannot   hope    to    have 

power  over  men. 

c.  The  Archbishop's  austerity,  the  secret  of    his 

wonderful  influence. 

In  strife  and  death: 

i.  The  Devil  strove  to  sow  discord  between  Archbishop 
and  King. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  279 

ii.  Causes  of  difference  : 

a.  The  Saint's  resignation  of  the  Chancellorship. 

b.  Chiefly :   the  King's  usurping  Church  revenues. 

c.  Resentment  of  the  nobles,  and  their  misrepre- 

sentations of  the  Saint. 

iii.  The  King  then  in  anger  required  him  to  sign  the 
"  Constitutions  of  Clarendon." 

a.  Thomas  at  first  refused,  and  resisted  all  threats. 

b.  But  at  the  entreaty  of  some  of  the  Clergy,  he 

yielded  and  signed,  1164. 

c.  At  once,  however,  seeing  his  fault,  he  retracted. 

d.  Encouraged   by  Pope  Alexander  III.  he   now 

showed  more  zeal  than  ever, 
iv.  Hereupon,  Henry  declared  the  goods  of  the  Saint 

and  of  his  friends  confiscated, 
v.  Consequent  exile  to  France,  where 

a.  He  met  the  Pope,  who  approved  his  conduct. 

b.  He  received  a  revelation  in  prayer  of  his  future 

martyrdom, 
vi.  After  seven  years'  absence,  he  returned  to  his  See : 

a.  Prepared    for   trial,  by   deepened  love   of  the 

Cross. 

b.  Perfectly  resigned  to  God's  will  in  his  regard. 

c.  Acclaimed  with  joy,  by  the  whole  people. 

vii.  Henry   cursed    all   who    favoured   the    Saint,   and 
complained  of  his  obstinacy. 

Four  men,  hearing  this,  planned  his  death, 
viii.  A  few  days  after  Christmas,  the  Saint  was  slain 

before  the  altar,  1 1 70. 

Lessons : 

a.  Never  pare  down  the  truth,  even  to  effect  con- 

versions. 
Truth  is  not  ours  to  abate ;  it  is  God's. 

b.  But  ever  adhere  to  high  principles. 

c.  In    high    principles    and    truth,    there    is    the 

plenitude  of  heavenly  blessings. 

d.  Through  these,  with  prayer,  we  may  hope  the 

conversion  of  England. 

e.  Pray  to-day  that  the  Blood  of  England's  Martyr 

may  avail ! 


28o  SERMON  PLANS 


140.    THE   FLIGHT   INTO   EGYPT. 

"Arise  .  .  .  and  fly  into  Egypt."     Mth.  ii.  13. 
i.  To-day's  Gospel  gives  a  chief  occurrence  of  Our 

Lord's  Infancy: 
The   Flight   into  Egypt,  to  escape  the  jealousy 

of  Herod. 

ii.  Consider  this  event,  and  the  lessons  it  may  contain. 
A  fountain  of  poetry  and  art  in  the  Church  at  large. 

I.  The  Command  of  the  Angel: 
i.  Humbling  to  Our  Lord. 

a.  He  is  thus  compelled  to  leave  His  own  country. 

b.  Yet,  He  had  come  to  be  the  Saviour  of  His 

people. 

c.  The  Creator,  fleeing  before  His  own  creature ! 
ii.  Learn  to  form  your  ideas  on  those  of  God. 

a.  This  command  gave  glory  to  His  name:  for, 

The  humiliations  of  His  Son  were  the  fulfil- 
ment of  prophecy. 

b.  It  was  advantageous  to  man,  because  affording 

1.  Instruction,  as  to  the  ways  of  salvation. 

2.  Consolation  in  sorrow  and  disgrace. 

3.  Courage    in    persecution,   which    is   never 

wanting. 

4.  Admiration   for    the    wise   dispositions    of 

Providence. 

II.  Command  given  to  S.Joseph: 

i.  What  an  honour  bestowed  on  this  "just  man,"  thus 
made 

a.  The  confidant  of  the  secrets  of  God's   Provi- 

dence. 

b.  The  instrument  of  divine  authority. 

Holding  here  below  the  place  of  the  Eternal 

Father. 

ii.  How  great  also  is  the  honour  of  the  Catholic  Priest- 
hood : 

Entrusted  with  the  care  of  this  same  body  of  Jesus, 
iii.  Great  too  is  the  honour  of  the  Faithful. 

a.  Permitted  to  care  for  dwelling-places  of    His 

sacramental  presence. 

b.  Admitted  even  to  receive  Him  into  their  hearts. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  281 

III.  The  Command  executed  by 

i.  Jesus : 

a.  Faithful  (with  full  use  of  His  faculties)  to  the 

Will  of  His  Father. 

b.  This,  the  great  lesson  He  was  to  teach  later  on. 

"Thy  will  be  done  on  earth."     Mth.  vi.  10. 

"Not  My  will,  but  Thine  be  done."     Lke.  xxii.  42. 

"  My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  Him  that  sent  Me."  jn.  iv.  34. 

ii.  Mary  : 

a.  Though  Mother  of  God,  she  was  also  spouse 

of  S.  Joseph. 

b.  Hence  her  prompt  obedience  to  his  intimation, 
iii.  Joseph : 

a.  Blind  and  ready  compliance  with  the  angel's 

word. 

b.  Without    murmur,   or   argument   as   to   other 

means  of  safety. 

For  God  could  have  provided  simpler  means 
to  this  end. 

c.  Sacrificing   love   of    peace   and   retirement,  to 

fulfil  the  command, 
iv.  See  Joseph  and  Mary  preparing  for  the  journey : 

a.  Without  trouble  or  anxiety,  as  to 

1.  The  difficulties  of  some  300  miles  of  travel: 

a.  Arising  from  bandits,  wild  beasts,  and 

bad  roads. 
/?.  Without  the  means  of  locomotion  we 

now  possess. 

2.  Fatigue  and  weariness  of  the  way. 

3.  Heat   and   cold,    wind   and   rain,  without 

shelter. 

b.  Calm  and  dignified,  leaving  all  to  God,  who 

gave  the  command. 

c.  How  worthy  of  each  other !     How  worthy  of 

their  Child ! 

d.  When  shall  we  be  worthy  of  them,  by  imitating 

them  ? 

Lessons ; 

i.  Sympathy  with  Jesus,  Mary,  and  Joseph, 
ii.  Suffering  and  trial,  most  effectual  means  of  salvation, 
iii.  Compassion  for  the  sorrows  of  others, 
iv.  Uncomplaining  obedience  to  the  decrees  of  Providence. 


28a  SEKMON  PLANS 


141.     GIFTS  OF  THE   MAGI. 

"Gold,  frankincense  and  myrrh."     Mth.  ii.  II. 

i.  Custom  of  Orientals  to  offer  gifts,  on  visiting  the 

great:  e.g. 

The  sons  of  Jacob  to  Joseph  :  Gen.  xliii.  1 1. 
The  Queen  of  Saba  to  Solomon :  2  Par.  ix.  9. 
ii.  So  the  Wise  Men,  on  going  to  Bethlehem, 
iii.  Consider  these  gifts,  and  their  import. 

I.  They  offer  Gold : 

i.  The  most  precious  of  the  metals : 

Hence  the  most  worthy  to  offer, 
ii.  Denoting  the  ROYALTY  of  Christ,  as  King  of 

<z.  Heaven,  where  He  reigns. 

b.  Earth,  which  He  created. 

c.  Souls,  where  He  dwells  by  His  grace, 
iii.  Typifying  charity,  love  and  almsdeeds. 

The  most  pure  gold  before  God. 
iv.  Proving  most   useful  to  the   Holy  Family,  during 

their  exile  in  Egypt, 
v.  Symbol  also  of  the  Vow  of  Poverty,  in  Religion. 

II.  They  offer  Incense: 

i.  Recognizing  thereby  the  DIVINITY  of  Christ: 

Incense  has  ever  been  offered  to  God. 
ii.  Typifying  prayer  and  devotion  : 

The  most  fragrant  incense  at  God's  throne. 

"  Let   my  prayer   be  directed  as   incense  in  Thy  sight." 
Ps.  cxl.  2. 

iii.  Symbol  of  the  Vow  of   Obedience,  more  pleasing 
than  sacrifice. 

III.  They  offer  Myrrh: 

i.  Denoting  the  HUMANITY  of  Christ : 

The  bodies  of  the  dead  were  embalmed  with  myrrh. 
ii.  Typifying  penance  and  mortification,  because  of  its 

bitterness : 

Which    preserve   our  souls  from   the   corruption 
of  sin. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  283 


iii.  Symbol  of  the  Vow  of  Chastity,  exercise  of  perpetual 
self-denial. 

Our  offerings  of  the  same : 

i.  The  Gold  of  CHARITY  :  e.g. 

a.  Love  of  God,  by 

1.  Observance  of  His  Law. 

2.  Obedience  to  Superiors. 

3.  Resignation  to  the  Divine  Will. 

b.  Love  of  Neighbours  in  and  for  God :  by 

1.  Helping  and  pleasing. 

2.  Avoiding  pain  and  injury. 

c.  Spiritual  and  corporal  works  of  mercy. 

The  homage  of  our  Good  Works. 
ii.  The  Incense  of  PRAYER  :  e.g. 

a.  Morning  and  evening  devotions. 

b.  Sacrifice  and  Sacraments. 

c.  Purity  of  Intention. 

d.  Beautifying  the  House  of  God. 

The  homage  of  our  Souls. 
iii.  The  Myrrh  of  MORTIFICATION  :  e.g. 

a.  Days  of  fasting  and  abstinence. 

b.  Crosses,  penances  and  self-denial. 

c.  A  source  of  perseverance. 

d.  Procuring  Sacraments  for  the  dying,  and  prayers 

for  the  dead. 
The  homage  of  our  Bodies. 

Lessons : 

i.  Go  again  in  spirit,  and  with  faith  to  Bethlehem  :  but, 
ii.  Go  not  empty-handed  to  your  Saviour  :  Ex.  xxiii.  15. 

a.  Take  Him  mystical  Gold,  Incense  and  Myrrh. 

b.  Give  Him  the  homage  of  your  Works,  your 

Soul  and  your  Body. 

iii.  Then  will  He  be  King  of  your  whole  being,  for  time 
and  eternity. 


284  SERMON  PLANS 


142.     PROPHECY   AS  TO   CHRIST  THE 
MESSIAH. 

i  The  Gospel  of  to-day  in  its  entirety  tends  to  prove 
that  Christ  was  the  Messiah  expected  by  the  world, 
ii.  The  Evangelist  shows  it  by  three  facts,  fulfilling 
three  prophecies. 

I.  The  transfer  of  Power: 

i.  Jacob,  2,000  years  B.C.  said  the  Messiah  would  come, 
only  on  the  sceptre  passing  away  from  Juda. 

"The  sceptre  shall  not.be  taken  away  from  Juda  .  .   .  till  He 
come  that  is  to  be  sent."     Gen.  xlix.  10. 

ii.  Now  the  Evangelist  declares  the  sceptre  had  passed 

away  at  Our  Lord's  birth  :  Mth.  ii.  i. 
iii.  This  Herod  was  appointed  King  of  the  Jews  by  the 
Romans,  and  named  here 

a.  That  the  date  of  Our  Lord's  birth  might  be 

ascertained. 

b.  To  show  the  clear  fulfilment  of  the  prophecy : 

for, 
iv.  The  Jews  had  thus  fallen  under  the  yoke  of   the 

Roman  Empire. 

As   they   admitted,   by  their   question  about  the 
tribute:  Mth.  xxii.  17. 

II.  The  Star: 

i.  Balaam,  1,500  years  B.C.  said  a  wonderful  star  was 
to  appear  and  announce  the  birth  of  the  Messiah. 

"A  star  shall  arise  out  of  Jacob."     Numb.  xxiv.  17. 
ii.  Now  the  Magi  declared  they  had  seen  this  expected 

star:   Mth.  ii.  2. 

iii.  All  looked  for  the  Redeemer  to  be  designated  by  a 
star. 

a.  Produced  on  the  very  night  of  the  Nativity. 

b.  Preceding  the  Magi,  like  the  pillar  of  fire  in 

the  desert. 

c.  Shining  both  by  day  and  night,  as  their  guide. 

d.  Surpassing  all  others  in  splendour  and  beauty. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  285 

iv.  Thus  is  a  second  prophecy  fulfilled,  pointing  to  the 

birth  of  Christ. 

v.  Admire    the    Wisdom    of     God,    calling     men    so 
variously :  e.g. 

a.  To-day,    the    Magi,    by    a    star:    they    were 

astrologers. 

b.  Later,   fishermen,   by   a    miraculous    draft   of 

fishes :  Lke.  v. 

c.  The  sick,  by  healing  their  diseases. 

d.  So,  nowadays,  God  calls  men  to  the  Faith  :  e.g. 

1.  Through  dissensions  in  their  own  Churches. 

2.  By  the  edifying  life  of  some  Catholic. 

3.  On  the  occasion  of  an  intended  marriage. 

4.  By  study,  reading,  or  especially  prayer. 

5.  By  some  sermon,  or  course  of  instruction. 

III.  Bethlehem,  the  place  of  birth : 

i.  Micheas,  700  years  B.C.  had  foretold  the  place : 

"  Bethlehem   .   .    .   out  of  thee  shall  He  come  forth  that  is  to  be 
the  ruler  in  Israel."  Mich.  v.  2. 

ii.  The  Evangelist  tells  us  that  Our  Lord  was  born  in 

the  royal  city  of  David  :  Mth.  ii.  i. 
iii.  All  History  likewise  testifies  to  the  fact : 

Pilgrimages  thither,  common  in  all  ages, 
iv.  Thus  does  a  third  prophecy  receive  its  fulfilment. 

As  Our  Lord  Himself  declares,  He  came  not  to 
destroy,  but  to  fulfil :  Mth.  v.  17. 

Lessons : 

i.  Bless  God  for  giving  such  foundations  to  our  Faith, 
ii.  Go  to-day  in  spirit  to  your  new-born  Saviour, 
iii.  Carry  with  you  the  virtues  represented  by  the  Magi's 
gifts : 

a.  The  Gold  of  Charity. 

b.  The  Incense  of  Prayer. 

c.  The  Myrrh  of  Mortification. 

iv.  Offering  such  gifts  as  these,  you  will  receive  blessings 

in  return. 

v.  On  this  feast  of  Converts,  pray  for  the  spread  of 
the  Faith. 


286  SERMON  PLANS 


143.     THE  THREE   DAYS'   LOSS. 

"They  returned  into  Jerusalem,  seeking  Him."     Lke.  ii.  45. 
i.  Mary  without  Jesus !  one  of  the  greatest  of  her  seven 

Dolours, 
ii.  Consider  some  of  the  points  of  this,  her  third  Dolour. 

History ; 

i.  The  Jews   had   to   worship  God   thrice  a  year  in 
Jerusalem. 

a.  At  the  Pasch,  commemorating  their  deliverance 

from  Egypt. 

b.  At  Pentecost,  recalling  the  Law  given  on  Sina. 

c.  At  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles,  as  harvest-thanks- 

giving, 
ii.  Jesus,  12  years  old,  went  up  to  the  Pasch  with  His 

parents, 
iii.  Their  meritorious  prayer  in  the  Temple,  and  their 

works  of  mercy. 
iv.  Return  of  the  multitudes,  in  separate  companies : 

The  men  together ;  the  women  together ;  children 

with  either, 
v.  At  the  first  halting-place,  they  reunited. 

a.  Then  for  the  first  time,  Jesus  was  missed. 

b.  Mary  and  Joseph  each  thought  Him  with  the 

other, 
vi.  What  anguish  in  their  hearts  at  the  discovery. 

Anxious  enquiries,  with  no  result,  no  sympathy. 
vii.  Immediate  return  to  Jerusalem,  and  active  search. 

a.  Fears,  as  to  treachery  on  the  part  of  Archelaus. 

b.  Doubts,  whether  Jesus  may  not  have  died. 

c.  Interior  darkness  and  desolation. 

viii.  Only  after  three  days,  do  they  find  Him  in  the  Temple. 

a.  Admiration  of  doctors,  at  His  wisdom. 

b.  Attractions  of  His  sweetness. 

ix.  Joy  of  Mary  and  Joseph,  on  seeing  their  Child  again  ! 
They  can  now  sympathize  with  those  who  suffer 
interior  desolation. 

Peculiarities : 

i.  Mary's  greatest  dolour : 

a.  Separation  from  Jesus !  she  knew  not  why  !  nor 
where  He  was ! 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  287 

b.  Intense  spiritual  darkness  in  her  soul. 

c.  In  the  Burial,  she  knew  she  could  look  to  the 

Resurrection, 
ii.  Dolour  inflicted  by  Jesus  Himself. 

a.  The   first  was   through    Simeon:    the   second, 

through  Joseph. 

b.  While   helping   resignation,  this  deepened  her 

pain. 

iii.  It  enabled  Mary  to  know  the  misery  of  souls  losing 
Jesus  by  sin. 

a.  She  was  to  be  the  Mother  of  Mercy,  and  the 

Refuge  of  Sinners. 

b.  She  must  therefore  feel  the  loss  of  Jesus,  though 

not  through  sin. 

c.  A  motive   of   confidence,  for  sinners  to   have 

recourse  to  her. 

Mary's  Dispositions: 

i.  Yearning  and  anxious  longing  to  find  her  Son. 
ii.  Yet  perfect  resignation,  in  the  depth  of  her  trial, 
iii.  Extreme  humility  : 

a.  Perfectly  tranquil,  despite  the  anguish. 

b.  Her  unworthiness  the  cause,  to  her  mind,  of  her 

loss  of  Jesus. 

c.  Her  silence,  at  His  reproof-like  answer,  when 

found :  Lke.  ii.  49. 

Lessons  for  ourselves : 

i.  The  loss  of  Jesus  by  sin,  the  greatest  of  evils. 

a.  Yet  how  little  some  feel  it. 

b.  How  happy  they  can  be  without  Him  ! 

ii.  Such  loss  should  be  to  us  a  most  intense  agony. 

a.  Everything  must  yield  to  our  search  for  Him. 

b.  This  search  must  be  quiet  and  sorrowful,  like 

Mary's. 

iii.  Resignation  in  times  of  dryness  and  trial, 
iv.  Let  the  presence  of  Jesus  be  our  joy  in  time,  in 

eternity. 

Be  Mary's  dispositions  our  own,  should  Jesus  be, 
or  seem  to  be,  far  from  us. 


288  SERMON  PLANS 


144.    THE   HIDDEN    LIFE. 

"  He  went  down  with  them  and  came  to  Nazareth."    Lke.  ii.  51. 

i.  These  words  refer  to  the  18  years  of  Our  Lord's 

life  of  obscurity, 
ii.  A   life   of   retirement   is  the   principle   of  spiritual 

activity. 

Hi.  Each  one  should  endeavour  to  have  the  spirit  of  it : 
No  matter  what  his  individual  position  in  life  may  be. 

The  Hidden  Life : 

i.  Our  Lord  had  a  stupendous  work  to  do — to  convert 

the  world. 

ii.  He  might  have  had  riches,  influence  and  power ;  or, 
Hi.  He  might  have  been  an  orator,  a  philosopher,  or  a 

poet.     But, 

iv.  God  though  He  was,  He  lived  without  such  outward 
helps. 

a.  Thirty  of  His  thirty-three  years  were  hidden 

from  the  world. 

b.  Most  of   His  years  would  seem  as  waste,  to 

critics. 
What    reformer    would    willingly   so    efface 

himself? 
v.  He  went  down  to  Nazareth  : 

a.  Not  to  Rome,  where  honours  might  await  Him. 

b.  Nor  to  Jerusalem,  where  He  might  influence 

the  Jewish  rulers. 

c.  But,  to  Nazareth,  in  humble  obscurity. 
vi.  There  He  chose 

a.  Subjection,  even  to  His  own  creatures. 

b.  Labour,   for    hands    that    created    all    things : 

Ps.  xciv.  5. 

c.  Poverty,  real  want  and  insufficiency. 

d.  Solitude,  away  from  the  notice  and  applause  of 

the  world. 

vii.  These  conditions  of  sanctification  we  can  imitate :  e.g. 
a.  Subjection  to  others  : 

1.  Rejoicing  in  it,  for  its  own  sake. 

2.  Obedience   of    some    kind,   necessary   for 

perfection. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  289 

b.  Labour: 

1.  Humble  toil  and  hardship. 

2.  Whatever  of  this  kind  may  come  in  our  way. 

c.  Poverty : 

1.  If  really  poor,  love  the  state,  and  be  content. 

2.  If  not  actually  so,  be  so  by  detachment 

and  generosity. 

d.  Solitude : 

1.  Not   seeking   the   company   of   the   great 

and  rich. 

2.  Not  yearning  to  be  talked  of  and  known. 

Corollary :  The  Hidden  Life  means 

i.  Not,  idleness  and  empty  silence  : 
ii.  But,  intense  activity  of  spirit,  and  'continuous  union 

with  God. 

iii.  Simplicity  of  view,  and  trust  in  God. 
iv.  Absence  of  ambition  for  position  and  power. 
v.  Absence  of  vainglory,  jealousy,  anxiety  as  to  results, 
vi.  Watchfulness  over  self,  against  tepidity  and  laxity, 
vii.  Prayer,  as  a  predominant  part  of  our  lives, 
viii.  External  occupation  not  incompatible  with  it : 

If  only  we  be  indifferent  to  the  kind  and  amount 
of  work. 

Lessons : 

i.  Keep  the  example  of  the  Home  of  Nazareth  before 

you. 

ii.  Even   in   the   world,  we   may  imitate  the    Hidden 
Life :  by 

a.  Seeking  God's  will  in  all  things. 

b.  Holy  indifference. 

c.  Elevation  of  heart. 

d.  Loving  worship  of  God. 

iii.  This  loving  worship,  the  only  state  for  which  the 

soul  is  made. 

This  it  is  that  sanctifies,  and  gives  success, 
iv.  In  these  busy  days,  retirement  is  not  easy. 

Yet  the  true  disciple  of  Christ  will  endeavour  to 
seek  it  sometimes. 


ago  SERMON  PLANS 


145.     MIXED   MARRIAGES. 

"There  was  a  marriage  in  Cana."    Jn.  ii.  I. 

i.  Take  occasion  to  speak  on  mixed  marriages : 
ii.  Our  Lord  would  hardly  honour  such  by  His  presence ! 

Catholic  Marriage : 

i.  By  making  marriage  a  sacrament,  Our  Lord  sanctified 

the  affections  of  the  heart. 

ii.  The  marriage  union  is  emblematic  of  Christ's  union 
with  His  Church. 

a.  Husband  and  wife   must  love  each  other,  as 

Christ  and  the  Church  do. 

b.  The  husband  must  imitate  the  care  and  self- 

sacrifice  of  Christ. 

c.  The   wife   must   repay   this   loving   care   with 

gratitude. 

d.  As  the  Church  turns  to  Christ  in  difficulty,  so 

the  wife  to  her  husband. 
iii.  Such  union  of  hearts  makes  home  here  a  figure  of 

the  home  in  Heaven, 
iv.  The  Church  rejoices  to  bring  a  Catholic  couple  to 

the  altar,  for  nuptial  mass  and  blessing. 
v.  She  promotes  Catholic  marriages,  for  temporal  and 

eternal  happiness. 

Mixed  Marriage: 

i.  Always  held  in  detestation  by  that  same  Church, 
ii.  For  two  reasons  chiefly  : 

a.  Mixed  marriages  are  often  unhappy : 

1.  Even  Catholic  marriages  sometimes  so! 

2.  Will  man  and  wife  be  happier,  if  bound  to 

differ  in  Religion  ? 

3.  In  the  happiest  marriages,  trials  exist. 

Where  find  comfort  and  strength,  except 
before  the  same  altar  ? 

4.  Differences   of  opinion  tend   to   cool    the 

affections : 
How  much  more,  differences  in  Religion  ? 

5.  Thus  of  their  nature  mixed  marriages  tend 

to  unhappiness. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  291 


b.  Mixed  marriages  tend  to  destroy  the  faith. 

1.  Suppose  the  wife  Catholic  : 

a.  The  pledged  promises  of  the  husband 

are  often  broken. 
(3.  A  word  of  honour  is  a  slender  reed 

whereon  to  risk  eternity  ! 
y.  Children  may  then  be  reared  in  a  false 

religion. 

2.  Suppose  the  children  are  Catholic :  even  so, 

a.  How  revere  the  father  as  representing 
God,  when  he  professes  a  faith  dis- 
pleasing God ! 

/?.  They  must  not  speak  to  him  on  Religion. 

y.  If  he  be  in  earnest,  he  may  uncon- 
sciously influence  them. 

8.  Thus  they  may  come  to  indifference. 

3.  Suppose  the  wife  Protestant : 

a.  A  mother's  influence  has  no  equal. 

ft.  Her  privilege,  to  teach  her  child  its 
first  prayer. 

y.  If  she  be  a  Protestant,  God's  plans 
are  thwarted,  even  though  the 
children  be  Catholic :  for, 

1.  The   husband    may   have    to    be 

often  away. 

2.  A   third   party's  help  will   never 

equal  a  mother's  power. 
8.  At  length,  the  children  enter  the  world, 

and  many  stray  away. 
One  of  the  curses  of  mixed  marriages, 
iii.  If  such  evils  always  resulted,  mixed  marriages  would 
always  be  prohibited. 

Lessons : 

i.  Duty  of   parents  to  warn   children   against   mixed 

marriages, 
ii.   Guard  against  them,  by  avoiding  company-keeping 

with  non-Catholics, 
iii.  Look  on  a  true  Catholic  home,   as   the  height  of 

human  happiness. 


SERMON  PLANS 


146.  INDISSOLUBILITY   OF   MARRIAGE. 

11  Jesus  also  was  invited  to  the  marriage."    Jn.  ii.  2. 
i.  Whenever   our   Lord  may   have  made  marriage  a 

sacrament,  He  made  it  indissoluble, 
ii.  Consider  this  point,  nowadays  so  much  denied. 

Even  Catholics  sometimes  have  only  vague  ideas 
on  the  subject. 

Marriage  Indissoluble  :  as  shown 
i.  From  Scripture :  e.g. 

"  What  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder." 

Mih.  xix.  6. 
"  Everyone  that  putteth  away  his  wife,  and  marrieth  another, 

committeth  adultery."     Lke.  xvi.  18. 
ii.  By  Tradition : 

a.  The  Sovereign  Pontiffs  in  all  ages.* 

b.  Fathers,  Synods  and  Councils  of  the  Church. 

c.  The  Council  of  Trent :  Sess.  xxiv.  c.  7. 
iii.  From  Reason : 

a.  Marriage  represents  the  union  of  Christ  with 

His  Church  :  Eph.  v. 
But  this  union  is  indissoluble. 

b.  Consider  the  ends  of  marriage : 

1.  The  propagation  of  the  human  race: 

a.  Not    in    passion,     as    among    brute 

animals : 
/?.  But  in  reason,  and  with  knowledge  of 

responsibility. 

2.  Support  and  education  of  children  : 

a.  Though  most  animals  require  little 
care  from  the  male  parent,  man 
requires  it  from  both,  for  support 
and  training. 

/?.  The  young  of  animals  can  soon  fend 
for  themselves,  but  children  need 
care  for  many  long  years. 

y.  If  the  marriage-bond  could  be  severed, 

1.  This  care  would  soon  cease. 

2.  Children  would  be  neglected  and 

disowned. 

3.  Misery  and  sin  would  spread  apace. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  293 

S.  Father    and    mother    must    therefore 

remain  united. 
3.  Mutual  help  and  support : 

"It  is  not  good  for  man  to  be  alone."  Gen.ii.  18. 

a.  This  help  the  indissolubility  tends  to 
secure. 

1.  Making  the  married  couple  enter 

into  everything  that  can  promote 
their  common  welfare. 

2.  Fixing   their  affections   on   their 

common  interests. 

3.  Giving     permanency     to      their 

mutual  love. 

4.  Helping  them  to  bear  their  crosses 

and  trials. 

/?.  Remove     this      indissolubility,      and 
marriage  becomes  concubinage,  with 
all  its  attendant  evils. 
b.  The  welfare  of  States  demands  it : 

1.  Without  it,  dissensions  and  quarrels  and 

misery  in  Society. 

2.  Public  morality  weakened  by  the  publicity 

and  revelations  of  divorce  cases. 

Divorce ; 

i.  Permitted  now  by  most  States,  despite  the  divine 

prohibition. 

328,000  divorces  in  the  United  States  in  20  years  ! 
ii.  Encourages  crime  and  sin,  as  a  means  to  freedom, 
iii.  Disturbs  the  peace  and  happiness  of  families,  hence 

of  Society, 
iv.  One  of  the  leading  causes  of  the  downfall  of  the 

Roman  Empire. 
"  History   repeats   itself : "   let   Society   therefore 

beware ! 

v.  At  all  costs,  oppose  such  doctrine,  in  theory  and  in 
practice. 


*  Though  Pope  Clement  VII.  could  foresee  the  terrible  results  of 
his  refusing  to  Henry  VIII.  the  dissolution  of  his  marriage,  he  remained 
firm  and  faithful  to  his  trust,  despite  all  the  threats  and  entreaties  of 
the  King. 


294  SEKAION  PLANS 


147.     THE   LEPROSY   OF   SIN. 
"Behold  a  leper  came  and  adored  Him."     Mth.  viii.  2. 

i.  Bodily  diseases  of^en  typical  of  diseases  of  the  soul. 

ii.  Corporal  leprosy,  of  the  spiritual  leprosy  of  sin. 

iii.  What  the   leper  did  to  be  cured,  we  must  do  for 

pardon  of  sin. 
iv.  Consider  therefore  two  points :  viz. 

I.  Unhappy  state  of  sinners : 

i.  Lepers  much  to  be  pitied : 

a.  Their  disease  contagious  and  very  disfiguring. 

b.  Destroying  health  and  oftentimes  life  even. 

c.  Driving    its    victim   from    the    society   of    its 

fellow-beings. 
Even  Miriam  not  excepted  :  Numb.  xii.  15. 

d.  Isaias  takes  it   as  best  typifying  Our   Lord's 

condition :  liii.  4. 
ii.  Sinners  still  more  to  be  pitied. 

a.  A  soul    in  mortal  sin   most  frightful  to  con- 

template.* 

"All  her  beauty  is  departed."     Lam.  i.  6. 

1.  Deprived  of   the  gifts  and  adornments  of 

grace. 

2.  A  very  sink  of  abomination  before  God. 

b.  Sin  deprives  the  soul  of  the  friendship  of  God 

and  the  Saints. 

"  I  will  cast  them  forth  out  of  My  house."    Osce  ix.  15. 

c.  Sin  renders  the  soul  restless  and  uneasy. 

"  There  is  no  peace  to  the  wicked."     Is.  Ivii.  21. 

d.  Unless  repented  of,  it  plunges  the  soul    into 

eternal  death. f 
c.  What  more  deplorable !     Yet  how  many  live 

on  in  sin ! 

How   differently   would   they   act,   did    they 
suffer  from  the  bodily  disease. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  295 

II.  Means  of  rising  from  this  state: 

i.  The  leper  in  the  Gospel 

a.  Addressed  himself  to  Our  Saviour : 

"  Lord,  if  Thou  wilt,  Thou  canst  make  me  clean."  Mth.  viii.  2. 

b.  He  was  directed  to  the  priests ; 

c.  And  commanded  to  offer  gifts, 
ii.  Similarly,  the  sinner  also  must 

a.  Have  recourse  to  God : 

In  prayer,  fervent,  humble  and  confident. 

b.  Seek  the  priest,  empowered  to  pardon. 

By  true  contrition  and  good  confession. 

c.  Offer  gifts — a  good  resolution 

1.  To  atone  for  past  sin. 

2.  To  avoid  occasions  of  sin  for  the  future. 

d.  Thus  will  sin  be  cleansed,  and  a  reconciliation 

effected. 

How  different  is  corporal  leprosy,  for  which 
there  is  no  remedy. 

Lessons : 

i.  Hate  mortal  sin,  as  the  greatest  of  evils, 
ii.  Avoid  this  spiritual  leprosy  at  any  cost : 

a.  By  prayer  for  strength  against  it. 

b.  By  avoiding  the  occasions  that  lead  to  it. 

c.  By  considering   the   evil  of    sin,  in    time   and 

eternity. 

d.  By  remembering  the  all-seeing  eye  of  God ! 

iii.  Should  such  leprosy  ever  taint  your  soul,  hasten  to 

the  cleansing  bath  of  Penance, 
iv.  Be   grateful   to   God,   for   putting   such   a   remedy 

within  your  reach. 


*  A  Saint,  once  permitted  by  Almighty  God  to  see,  in  some 
mysterious  way,  the  state  of  a  soul  in  mortal  sin,  declared  she  would 
have  died  at  the  sight,  had  not  God,  by  His  special  power,  preserved 
her  life. 

t  It  is  usual  for  each  one  to  be  buried  in  the  place  to  which  he 
belongs ;  the  Devil  therefore,  claiming  his  strict  rights,  will  not  allow 
the  soul  in  sin  to  escape  being  buried  in  Hell. 


296  SEKMoN  PLANS 


148.     THE   ADVANTAGES  OF   FAITH. 

"  As  thou  hast  belived,  so  be  it  done  to  thee."     Mth.  viii.  13. 

i.  The  Centurion  by  his  faith  obtained  the  cure  of  his 

servant. 

ii.  Faith  will  heal  the  spiritual  diseases  of  our  souls :  it 
cures 

a.  Darkness  of  the  Intellect,  teaching  us  the  truths 

of  Revelation. 

b.  Corruption  of  the  Heart,  instructing  us  in  all  the 

virtues. 

c.  Attachment  to   creatures,  teaching   us   patience 

and  resignation. 

I.  Darkness  of  the  Mind: 

i.  The  Intellect  of  man  darkened  by  the  Fall, 
ii.  Men  without  faith,  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd. 

"Carried  about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine."     Eph.  iv.  14. 
iii.  We  with  faith  are  on  the  rock  of  God's  Church,  safe 
from  error. 

a.  Guided  by  pastors,  to  whom  Christ  said  : 

"  He  that  heareth  you  heareth  Me."     Lke.  x.  16. 

b.  From   Him  we   learn   infallibly  the  truths  of 

Revelation. 

c.  The  mind  is  thus  truly  enlightened  again. 

iv.  If  we  consider  the  benefits  of  Faith,  gratitude  becomes 

a  duty. 
A  duty  too  often  neglected  amongst  us. 

II.  Corruption  of  the  Heart: 

i.  The  Heart  also  wounded  in  the  Fall. 

a.  Affections  turned  from  God  to  creatures. 

b.  Hankering  after  evil  rather  than  good, 
ii.  Faith  helps  to  cure  this  corruption,  as  seen  in 

a.  Examples,  for  admiration,  if  not  imitation  : 
S.  Paul,  the  first  hermit :  Jan.  15. 
S.  Ignatius:  July  31. 
S.  Francis  Xavier :  Dec.  3. 
Saints  in  every  rank  of  life. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  297 


b.  Examples  of  the  just,  proving  their  faith  by 

works : 

The  Christian  Brothers. 
The  Sisters  of  Mercy,  of  Charity,  etc. 
iii.  What  makes  poor  laws  and  workhouses  unnecessary 

or  necessary  ? 

Lively  faith,  or  the  lack  of  it. 
iv.  What  leads  men  to  frequent  the  Sacraments  ? 

Faith,  telling  them  therein  is  their  safety, 
v.  What  raised  the  Saints  to  the  heights  of  perfection  ? 
Faith,  which  thus  cures  the  corruption  of  the  Heart. 
vi.  As  with  them,  so  with  us,  Faith  will  strengthen  our 
hearts  against  passion. 

III.  The  miseries  of  Life : 

i.  The  Body  likewise  injured  by  the  Fall :  e.g. 

Labour,  sickness,  want  and  death. 

ii.  Faith  gives  comfort  in  their  midst,  teaching  sufferings 
to  be: 

a.  Punishments  of  sin. 

Therefore,  to  be  borne  in  the  spirit  of  repara- 
tion. 

b.  Trials,  to  detach  our  hearts  from  earth. 

Therefore,  to  be  received  in  the  spirit  of  resig- 
nation. 

c.  Means,  enabling  us  to  resemble  Our  Lord. 

Therefore,   to    be   accepted   as   graces,   with 
gratitude. 

d.  Opportunities  given  of  meriting. 

Therefore,  to  be  seized,  to  increase  our  future 

reward, 
iii.  Thus  will  Faith  help  to  lighten  the  ills  of  life. 

Entitling  us  to  "  an  eternal  weight  of  glory  "  here- 
after :  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

Lessons : 

i.  Take  the  means  to  strengthen  your  Faith. 

Prayer,  instruction,  good  books, 
ii.  Avoid  all  dangers  to  it : 

Pride,  worldliness,  mixed  marriages,  godless  educa- 
tion, 
iii.  Pray  for  its  spread  to  others. 


898  SERMON   PLANS 


149.    THE  STORM,   A   TYPE. 

"  A  great  tempest  arose  in  the  sea."     Mth.  viii.  24. 

i.  Scripture  often  represents  life  as  a  stormy  ocean, 
ii.  The  ship,  in  to-day's  Gospel,  is  a  type  of 

a.  The  Church,  amid  persecutions  and  scandals. 

b.  The  Soul,  in  temptation  and  trial. 

I.  The  Church: 

i.  Persecution    in    some  form,   ever  the    lot  of    the 
Church :  e.g. 

a.  The  ten  great  persecutions,  under  the  Roman 

Emperors. 

b.  Persecution  in  pagan  lands  still : 

In  China,  Africa,  etc. 

c.  Opposition  and  oppression  in  civilized  lands : 

As  in  Italy  and  France,  at  the  present  day. 

d.  Captivity  or  exile  of  the  Head  of  the  Church, 
ii.  Scandals  in  the  Church  : 

a.  Fall  of  even  an  Apostle. 

b.  Heresies  and  Schisms : 

Arianism,  condemned  A.D.  325. 
The  Iconoclasts,  8th  c. 
Schism  in  England,  :6th  c. 

c.  Dissensions,  disputes,  etc. 

iii.  Recourse  to  God,  as  with  the  Apostles  to  Our  Lord. 

a.  Fervent  prayer :  "  Lord,  save  us." 

Leo  XIII.  on  prayer  in  the  Church's  trials. 

b.  Faith  and  Confidence  in  God  who  overrules  all. 

His   promise  to   be  ever  with   the   Church : 
Mth.  xxviii.  20. 

c.  Good  lives  in  Catholics,  showing  forth  the  truth 

of  Religion. 

II.  The  Soul: 

i.  Individual  souls  tempted  to  sin  : 

a.  Against  God :  pride,  irreligion. 

b.  Against  Neighbours :  injustice  of  any  kind. 

c.  Against  Self :  sensuality,  idleness. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  299 

ii.  Each  one  has  trials  of  the  temporal  order  also : 

a.  Poverty,  sickness,  deaths. 

b.  Persecution  from  neighbours. 
iii.  Act  then,  as  sailors  in  a  storm : 

a.  They  reef  the  sails,  lest  the  winds  overpower 

them. 

1.  Curb  the  love  of  pleasure. 

2.  Mortify  the  senses. 

3.  Otherwise   the    soul    will    sink    into    sin, 

perhaps  into  Hell ! 

b.  They  make  for  the  high  seas : 

1.  Avoid  the  world  and  its  pleasures. 

2.  Soar  aloft  in  prayer. 

c.  They  throw   goods   overboard,  to   lighten  the 

vessel. 

1.  Cast  forth  sin  in  humble  confession. 

2.  Sailors  regret  their  loss,  yet  safety  is  the 

first  consideration. 

3.  So  we,  with  sin  and  its  occasions,  must 

gain  salvation  at  any  cost. 

d.  Remember  that  all  things  work  for  good,  if  we 

love  God :  Rom.  viii.  28. 

Lessons ; 

i.  In  the  public  trials  of  the  Church,  have  recourse  to 

prayer. 
Though  His  ways  seem  slow,  God's  Providence 

is  ever  watchful. 

ii.  So  also  in  the  private  crosses  of  each  one. 
iii.  Perseverance  in  prayer  pleasing  to  God,  and  essential, 
iv.  Human  passions  cause  turmoil  in  the  soul. 

a.  Our  Lord  may  seem  to  sleep,  because  of  our 

tepidity. 

b.  Call  on  Him — by  Prayer,  Penance,  Almsdeeds. 
v.  Rejoice,  amid   the   storms   in   your  soul,  as  being 

thought  worthy  to  suffer  for  God  :  Acts  v.  41. 


300  SERMON  PLANS 


150.     THE    PASSIONS. 

"  A  great  tempest  arose."     Mth.  viii.  24. 

i.  A  storm  at  sea,  one  of  the  figures  of  the  passions  of 

the  soul, 
ii.  As  the  passions  become  sources  of  sin,  consider  three 

points. 

The  evil  passions: 

i.  Included  under  three  heads  chiefly:   i  Jn.  ii.  16. 

a.  The  concupiscence  of  the  eyes :  love  of  riches. 

b.  The  concupiscence  of  the  flesh :  love  of  pleasure. 

c.  The  pride  of  life :  love  of  honours, 
ii.  Incitements  to  the  passions : 

a.  Objects  acting  on  the  senses  or  the  imagination. 

b.  Fuel  supplied  by  reading,  self-indulgence,  etc. 

c.  Idleness :  Ecclus.  xxxiii.  29. 

d.  Want  of  self-restraint. 

iii.  Figured  by  the  winds,  a  raging  fire,  an  unruly  horse. 

Why  to  be  subdued? 

i.  As  useful  and  necessary,  as  the  breaking  in  of  a 

horse, 
ii.  We  must  avoid    sin,  and   therefore  overcome  its 

causes, 
iii.  Holy  Scripture  warns  us : 

"Go  not  after  thy  lusts,  but  turn  away  from  thy  own  will." 

Ecclus.  xviii.  30. 
"  If  any  man  will  come  after  Me,  let  him  deny  himself."    Mth. 

xvi.  24. 

iv.  Examples  and  teaching  of  the  Saints : 

"Conquer  thyself."     S.  Ignatius. 

"The  greater  violence  thou  offcrest  to  thyself,  the  greater  the 
progress  thou  wilt  make."     Imitation. 

v.  Unless  subdued  themselves,  they  enslave  the  soul, 

as  typified  by 

The  brothers  of  Joseph,  yielding  to  their  envy: 
Gen.  xlii. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  301 

The  prodigal  son:  Lke.  xv. 

Nabuchodonosor,  become    as    an   animal   in   the 

fields:  Dan.  iv.  30. 

vi.  They  darken  the  mind,  and  disturb  the  heart, 
vii.  They  cause  many  mistakes  and  much  misery,  both 

for  time  and  eternity, 
viii.  Subjection  to  the  passions  is  a  kind  of  idolatry. 

Antiochus  and  the  idol  in  the  Temple :  i  Mach. 

i-  57- 
ix.  To  subdue  the  passions  is  a  glory. 

"  He  that  ruleth  his  spirit  (is  better)  than  he  that  taketh  cities." 
Prov.  xvi.  32. 

x.  Whoso  subdues  them  is  truly  free. 

How  to  be  subdued? 

i.  Never  despair  of  victory. 

There  are  no  passions  so  violent,  that  they  cannot 

be  overcome, 
ii.  Don't  complain  of  their  violence. 

You  are  stronger  than  they,  if  only  you  will  fight 

them, 
iii.  You  must  wage  war  against  them : 

a.  With  determination. 

b.  Attacking  the  predominant  passion  first.* 

c.  With  perseverance.! 

d.  Without  discouragement,  even  should  you  fall. 

e.  With  confidence  in  God. 

"I  can  do  all  things  in  Him  who  strengthened  me." 
Phil.  iv.  13. 

/.  Taking  the  necessary  means  : 

Prayer,  watchfulness,  penance,  etc. 


*  Few  subjects  can  be  more  interesting  than  that  of  the  ruling  passion, 
for  no  obstacle  to  progress  is  more  common,  or  more  secret,  and  there- 
fore none  more  dangerous.  There  can  be  no  true  progress,  until  an 
active  war  is  being  waged  against  it. — Faber. 

t  Said  the  Abbot  Theodore  to  a  young  monk:  "  You  complain  that 
you  are  fighting  now  for  eight  years  !  Behold  I  am  eighty  years  of  age, 
and  am  fighting  still ! " 


302  SERMON  PLANS 


151.    WHEAT   AND   COCKLE. 

A  type  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 
i.  In  His  Church  upon  Earth ;  and, 
ii.  In  the  individual  souls  of  men. 

I.  The  Kingdom  of  God  in  the  Church. 

i.   Wheat  represents 

a.  The  good  in  the  Church. 

b.  Souls  striving  after  perfection. 

c.  Those  even  content  to  obey  the  commandments, 
ii.  Why  so  many  wicked  in  the  Church  ? 

a.  Men  naturally  prone  to  evil,  and  many  resist 

not  their  passions. 

b.  Mere  membership  will  not  save  us ;  for, 

c.  Neither  God  nor  His  Church  will  violate  our 

free-will. 

"God,  who  created  us  without  our  co-operation,  will 
not  save  us  without  it."     S.  Aug. 

iii.  Cockle  represents  the  wicked  of  two  classes : 

a.  Bad  careless  members  in  the  Church,  and 

b.  Those  in  bad  faith  outside  the  Church,  especially 

c.  Heresiarchs  and  their  guilty  followers:  e.g. 

Arius,  on  the  divinity  of  Our  Lord :  4th  c. 
Nestorius,  on  the  divine  motherhood  of  Mary: 

5th  c. 
Luther,  on  justification,  etc. :  i6th  c. 

"  An  enemy  hath  done  this." 

iv.  The  two  remain  together, 

a.  That  the  wicked  may  repent  and  amend. 

Otherwise  they  will  be  cast  forth,  children  of 
the  Church  though  they  be. 

b.  To   exercise    the    patience   of    the   good,   and 

increase  their  merit. 

c.  To  lead  the  good  to  pray  for  their  conversion. 

d.  To  make  the  good  examples  here,  and  witnesses 

hereafter  to  the  wicked. 

e.  To  show  God's  power,  in  preserving  the  good 

among  them. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  303 

II.  The  Kingdom  of  God  in  the  Soul. 

i.   Wheat  represents 

a.  Good  seed   in   the  soul,  through  the  light  of 

Truth. 

b.  The  grace  of  the  Sacraments,  especially  Holy 

Eucharist. 

c.  The  example  of  the  Saints  and  holy  persons, 
ii.  Where  is  the  fruit  of  such  seed  within  us  ?  e.g. 

a.  Lively  faith,  after  Revelation  ? 

b.  The   virtues   of    Obedience,    Purity,   Patience, 

Humility  ? 

c.  The  good  works  of  mercy  ? 

Perhaps  wanting,  through  cockle  oversown  ! 
iii.  Cockle  comes  from 

a.  Bad  thoughts  and  desires. 

b.  Want   of    watchfulness,   as   with    a   negligent 

gardener. 

c.  Evil  company  and  bad  books. 

d.  Contempt  of  smaller  sins. 

e.  Want  of  mortification, 
iv.  The  two  remain  together, 

a.  To  keep  us  humble. 

We   should   soon   be   proud,   if   we   had   no 
imperfections. 

b.  To  make  us  labour  in  overcoming  the  evil. 

c.  To   become   a   source   of    merit,   through   our 

constant  warfare. 

Lessons : 

i.  Thank  God  for  the  seed  He  has  sown  in  the  Church. 

a.  Pray  for  its  spread  and  increase. 

b.  Intercede  for  the  conversion  of  the  wicked, 
ii.  Thank  God  for  His  graces  to  your  own  Soul. 

a.  Resolve  to  bring  forth  fruit  from  the  good  seed. 

b.  Weed    out   the    cockle   of    evil    passion    and 

inclinations. 

iii.  God  will    some  day  separate  the  cockle  from  the 
wheat ! 


304  SERMON  PLANS 


152.     BAD  COMPANY. 

"  An  enemy  hath  done  this."     Mth.  xiii.  28. 
i.  Our  Lord  Himself  explains  to-day's  parable  (vv.  37 

ii.  Consider  one  practical  point  of  it — the  question  of 

evil  company. 

Typified  by  the  cockle  among  the  wheat. 
Bad  Company: 
i.  Cockle  is  injurious  to  good  seed,  and  prevents  it 

yielding  abundant  fruit. 

ii.  See  here  the  pernicious  influence  of  evil  companions, 
who 

a.  By  their  conversation  and  example,  tend  to  lead 

us  to  sin ;  and 

b.  Prevent  the  seeds  of  virtue  coming  to  perfection 

in  the  soul, 
iii.  Such  evil  company  we  are  bound  to  avoid : 

a.  God  Himself  commands  it : 

"  If  sinners  shall  entice  thee  .  .  .  walk  not  thou  with 
them."  Prov.  i.  10,  15. 

"  Withdraw  yourselves  from  every  brother  walking  dis- 
orderly." 2  Thess.  iii.  6. 

"  If  thy  right  eye  scandalize  thee,  pluck  it  out."  Mth. 
v.  29. 

"  If  thy  right  hand  scandalize  thee,  cut  it  off."    Ibui.  30. 

1.  What  more  useful    or  necessary   than 

hand  or  eye ! 

2.  Yet  even  they  must  yield  to  the  soul's  weal. 

b.  Reason  itself  suggests  it :  for, 

1.  To  make  alliance  with  God's  enemies  is  to 

offend  Him. 

2.  Now  those  who  lead  us  to  sin  are  clearly 

His  enemies. 

c.  The  welfare  of  Religion  requires  it :  for, 

1.  To  be  known  as  keeping  evil  company  is  to 

give  scandal. 

2.  The  effects  of  this  are  as  pernicious  as  those 

of  bad  company. 

d.  The  interests  of  our  soul  demand  it : 

i.  Salvation  may  depend  greatly  on  the  com- 
pany we  keep. 

"  Evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners."   I  Cor. 
"v.  33- 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  305 

2.  Experience  shows  how  quickly  we  resemble 

those  we  go  with. 

One  rotten  apple  will  destroy  all  others 
in  contact  with  it. 

3.  Many  a  soul  now  in  Hell  owes  its  damna- 

tion to  bad  companions, 
iv.  Hence  the  necessity  of  shunning  evil  company : 

a.  This  applies  especially  to  the  young  and  inex- 

perienced. 

b.  Responsibility  in  parents,  as  to  their  children's 

companions. 
The  Bishop's  Charge.* 
v.  If  it  be  sometimes  impossible  to  escape  such  company, 

a.  Fortify  yourself  by  vigilance  and  prayer. 

b.  Mistrust  yourself,  placing  your  confidence   in 

God. 

c.  Do  not  expose  yourself  unnecessarily,  or  you 

cannot  expect  divine  help  :  for, 

"  He  that  loveth  danger  shall  perish  in  it."     Ecclus.  iii.  27. 
Example  of  S.  Peter :  Mth.  xxvi.  70. 

d.  Try  even  to  work  their  conversion. 

By  good  example,   a  well  timed  word,  and 

prayer. 

vi.  Wicked  companions  are  worse  than  the  soldiers  of 
Herod:  Mth.  ii.  16. 

a.  The  latter  took  only  the  corporal  life  of  the 

Innocents. 
The  former  destroy  the  spiritual  life  of  souls. 

b.  The  soldiers  acted  openly,  and  in  the  light  of  day. 

Evil  companions  work  secretly  and  cautiously. 

c.  The  soldiers  obeyed  the  commands  of  Herod. 

Evil  companions  obey  the  Devil  and  their 

own  passions. 
Lessons : 

i.  Consider  well  the  almost  irreparable  evils  of  bad 

company. 

ii.  Therefore  avoid  it,  as  you  would  an  infectious  disease, 
iii.  Let  parents  and  others  remember  their  responsibility 
herein. 

*  A  young  man  whom  S.  John  the  Evangelist  had  entrusted  to  the 
care  of  a  bishop,  to  be  trained  in  Christian  virtue,  through  the  evil 
companions  he  fell  in  with,  became,  not  only  a  robber  like  themselves, 
but  even  the  chieftain  of  the  gang. — Eusebius. 


306  SERMON  PLANS 


153.     PARABLES. 

"Without  parables,  He  did  not  speak  to  them."     Mth.  xiii.  34. 
i.  A  wise  teacher  will  take  the  most  effective  means 

to  instruct, 
ii.  The   parable   is   a  common  and    popular  mode  of 

conveying  instruction, 
iii.  Hence  its  frequent  use  by  Our  Lord. 

Parables : 

i.  Stories  founded  on  incidents  in  the  natural  order, 
under  cover  of  which,  truths  of  the  supernatural 
order  are  taught, 
ii.  Common   with    the   Ancients,  under   the   name   of 

Fables:  e.g. 
The  Sun  and  the  Wind :  to  teach  the  value  of 

gentleness. 

The  Lion  and  the  Mouse :  to  show  our  depend- 
ence on  small  things. 
iii.  Used  also  by  the  prophets :  e.g. 

The  rich  man  and  the  Lamb :  to  show  David  his 

crime :  2  Kgs.  xii. 
The  Vine  and  the  bad  Fruit :  to  remind  the  Jews 

of  their  faithlessness :  Is.  v. 

iv.  Frequently  employed  by  Our  Lord :    (the  Gospels 
give  thirty-one). 

a.  That  the  truth  might  not  become  an  occasion 

of  blasphemy  to  the  Jews. 
As  later  He  forbade  the  Church  to  cast  pearls 
before  swine :  Mth.  vii.  6. 

b.  To   convey   heavenly   lessons   to    minds   well- 

disposed. 

The  outward  comparison  containing  a  deep 
mystery.* 

c.  To  conceal  His  mysteries  from  those  wanting 

in  faith  :   Mth.  xiii.  13. 

d.  To  fulfil  the  prophecy  spoken  of  Him:  Ps.lxxvii.2. 
v.  Enable  men,  aided  by  faith,  to  learn  supernatural 

truths. 

a.  As  through  a  glass  and  in  a  dark  manner. 

b.  Yet  sufficiently  for  the  good  of  their  souls. 

c.  While   the    senses    could    not   otherwise   take 

cognizance  of  them. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  307 

vi.  Spiritual    blindness    often    results    from   trying   to 
fathom  mysteries  by  mere  reason  only. 

a.  Like   the    Jews   in   their   disbelief    in    Christ, 

despite  His  miracles :  Jn.  xii.  37. 

b.  As  corporal  blindness  results  from  gazing  at 

the  noonday  sun. 

c.  Utter  disbelief  of  the  most  sacred  truths  follows 

such  blindness. 

vii.  Were  often  prophecies  by  Our  Lord,  and  themselves 
foretold  of  old  :  Ps.  Ixxvii.  2. 

a.  Showing  a  marvellous  agreement  between  Old 

and  New  Testaments. 

b.  Proving    Religion   to    be   the    work    of    God, 

embracing  all  ages. 

c.  Showing  that  the  events  predicted  by  them  are 

not  the  effects  of  mere  chance. 

Examples  of  Our  Lord's  Parables : 

The    Mustard    seed :    to   foreshadow   the   future 

Church  :  Mth.  xiii. 
The  Sower :  to  teach  the  need  of  worthily  hearing 

the  Word :  Lke.  viii. 
The  Lost  Sheep :  to  inculcate  humility  and  hope 

in  the  repentant :  Lke.  xv. 
The  Prodigal  Son :  to  show  God's  pleasure  at  our 

repentance :  Ibid. 
The  Ten  Virgins :  to  remind  us  to  be  ever  ready 

for  death  :  Mth.  xxv. 

Lessons : 

i.  As  with  the  Jews,  so  with  us,  God  speaks  according 

to  the  disposition  of  our  hearts. 
The  humble,  not  the  learned,  will  better  hear  Him. 
ii.  Purify  the  heart,  and  God  will   speak  all  that  is 

necessary. 

iii.  Ever  listen  with  humility  and  attention  to  the  expla- 
nation of  God's  word. 
It  will  then  produce  fruit  in  the  soul :  Is.  Iv.  n. 


*  Comparisons  are  made  unto  earthly  things,  that  from  what  the 
mind  does  know,  it  may  rise  to  that  which  it  does  not ;  that  from  the 
image  of  things  seen,  it  may  soar  aloft  to  those  that  are  unseen. 
— S.  Gregory. 


3o8  SERMON  PLANS 


154.     THE   MUSTARD  SEED   A   TWO-FOLD 

TYPE. 
The  Mustard  Seed : 

i.  The  smallest   of    seeds,   as   spoken   of    in   popular 

language. 
Though,  absolutely,  there  are  others  smaller,  like 

the  poppy, 
ii.  Yet  it  grows,  in   Palestine,  to  the  size  of  a  large 

shrub. 
So  that  the  very  birds  may  rest  on  the  branches 

thereof. 

iii.  Bitter  to  the  taste. 

iv.  To  give  forth  its  pungency,  it  requires  bruising. 
v.  Serves  as  condiment  to  food. 

Type  of  Christ: 

i.  He  was  obscure  in  birth,  and  humbled  in  death. 
"A  worm  and  no  man,  the  reproach  of  men."     Ps.  xxi.  7. 

ii.  Yet  how  truly  great  He  became  in  glory  and  power, 
by 

a.  Preaching  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel. 

b.  Practising  the  counsels  of  perfection. 

c.  Instituting  Sacraments  and  Sacrifice. 

d.  Many  miracles  and  good  works. 

e.  The  example  of  all  holiness. 

iii.  Often   bitter    in    practice    are    His   doctrines   and 
counsels. 

Because  so  opposed  to  our  natural  inclinations, 
iv.  Especially  when  crushed  in  His  Passion  and  Death, 

did   Our   Lord  prove  His   power   by  a  glorious 

Resurrection, 
v.  In  the  Holy  Eucharist. 

a.  He  enflames  souls  with  the  fire  of  His  love ; 

b.  Helps  to  sweeten  the  bitterness  of  the  trials  of 

life;  and, 

c.  Gives     courage     to    face     every    danger     for 

conscience. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  309 

Type  of  the  Church : 

i.  Small  and  insignificant  at  Pentecost,  in 

a.  The  number  and  rank  of  her  first  members. 

A   few    fishermen    and    converts    from    the 
people. 

b.  The  humility  of  her  faith  and  teaching. 

c.  The  meekness  of  her  maxims  and  practices. 

d.  The  contempt  and  persecutions  of  men. 

ii.  Yet  has  she  grown  to  a  great  tree — truly  catholic.* 

a.  Extending  her   branches  to  every  country  on 

the  globe. 

1.  In  numberless  dioceses  and  provinces. 

2.  In  religious  orders  and  institutes. 

b.  Receiving  within  her  bosom 

1.  The  nations  and  tribes  of  the  earth. 

2.  The    greatest    minds    submitting   to    her 

teaching. 

3.  The  most  powerful  monarchs  owning  her 

sway. 

Saints  in  every  age  and  clime, 
iii.  Like  her  Founder,  bitter  to  flesh  and  blood  in  her 

practices :  e.g. 

la  the  laws  of  fasting  and  abstinence, 
iv.  Oft  oppressed  by  persecution  and  opposition. 

a.  Yet  never  destroyed,  because  from  God's  hand. 

b.  But  showing  the  greater  vitality  by  her  triumph, 
v.  The  teachings  of  the  Church  duly  followed  sweeten 

the  trials  of  life  and  impart  courage  to  bear  them. 

Lessons : 

i.  Be  as  :he  mustard  seed,  by  humility  and  obedience. 

ii.  Fidelity  to  a  simple  grace  will  obtain  others  more 

precious. 

Producing  eminent  sanctity  here,  eternal   great- 
ness hereafter. 


*  The  magnificent  organization  of  the  Church  to-day  was  truly 
contained,  at  letst  in  germ,  in  the  infant  Church  of  Pentecost,  as  much 
so  as  are  the  haves  and  branches  of  the  mustard  shrub  within  the 
smallest  of  seeds,  and  as  truly  as  the  oak,  with  its  widespreading 
branches,  is  contained  in  the  acorn. — Duke, 


310  SERMON  PLANS 


155.     THE   CALL  TO  GOD'S   SERVICE. 

"  He  sent  them  into  His  vineyard."     Mth.  xx.  2. 
i.  The  householder  is  God  and  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

a.  His  family  is  the  whole  human  race. 

b.  Christians  especially  are  His  beloved  children, 
ii.  See  how  all  are  called  to  serve  Him. 

All  sent  to  the  vineyard : 

i.  By  Baptism,  early  in  life,  wherein  we  receive 

a.  Sanctifying  grace. 

b.  The  true  faith. 

c.  Adoption,  as  sons  of  God. 

d.  A  place  and  work  in  His  vineyard, 
ii.  By  Pastors  in  later  years : 

Who  instruct  and  guide,  warn  and  reprove, 
iii.  By  conversion  to  the  Faith  in  after-life. 

Special    grace    of   God,   singling   out    individual 

souls. 
iv.  By  reminders  throughout  life :  e.g. 

Inspiration,  missions,  good  books,  etc. 
v.  Thus  calls  and  graces  come  both  early  and  iate : 

a.  Have  we  obeyed  them  ? 

b.  May  it  perhaps  be  said  to  us :  "  Why  stand  you 

idle  ? " 
vi.  We  must  not  reply :  "  We  are  not  hired."    For, 

God  has  never  ceased  to  call  us  (above), 
vii.  We  must  not  say :  "  Temporals  occupy  us ;  "  for, 

a.  Only  in  death  will  temporal  cares  ever  cease. 

b.  In  any  case,  temporal  welfare  must  yield  to  the 

eternal :  Mth.  xvi.  26. 
viii.  This  is  possibly  "  the  eleventh  hour  "  for  some  now 

present ! 

a.  This  Septuagesima  instruction    may  be  a  last 
grace. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  311 

b.  Hence,  beware  of  abusing  it. 

"To-day,  if  you  shall  hear  His  voice,  harden  not  your 
hearts."     Ps.  xciv.  8. 

c.  On  the  contrary,  labour  the  more  to  make  sure 

your  election  :  2  Pet.  i.  10.     For, 

Many  are  called,  but  few  chosen : 

i.  Fearful  declaration  of  a  loving  Saviour. 
Yet  an  effect  of  His  love,  to  warn  us. 
ii.  Not  surprising,  when  we  consider  the  lives  of  men : 

a.  The  spirit  of  the  world  rather  than  of  Christ. 

b.  The  love  of  pleasure  rather  than  of  penance. 

c.  The  love  of  riches  rather  than  of  poverty. 

d.  The  love  of  honours  rather  than  of  humility. 

1.  Such  the  spirit  of  the  bulk  of  mankind. 

2.  Wherefore  few  only  can  be  chosen. 

iii.  A   serious  thought  to   dwell   on  at  this  penitential 

time. 
Reflection  of  S.  Chrysostom  in  his  Cathedral.* 

Lessons : 

i.  Ponder  well  the  words :  "  few  are  chosen." 
ii.  If  God  made  here  the  separation  of  goats  and  sheep, 

on  which  side  should  we  be  placed  ? 
iii.  If  a  voice  from  Heaven  now  assured  us  that  even 

one  here   present  would  be  lost,  who  would  not 

tremble  ? 
iv.  Strive  to  avoid  condemnation,  by  corresponding  to 

the  call  you  have  received. 
v.  The  time  for  repentance  and  pardon  is  now  at  hand. 


*  These  walls  contain  within  them  a  number  of  Catholics.  You 
have  been  all  purified  in  the  sacrament  of  Baptism  :  you  all  join  in  the 
same  worship,  offer  the  same  Sacrifice  and  receive  the  same  Sacra- 
ments :  you  are  all  called  !  but  will  you  be  all  chosen?  we  cannot  tell ! 
This  only  we  know,  that  the  number  of  the  elect  will  be  the  smaller 
number,  for  Christ  Himself  has  declared  few  only  are  chosen. — S,John 
Chrys. 


312  SERMON   PLANS 


156.     THE   UNEQUAL   DISTRIBUTION   OF 
GOD'S  GIFTS. 

i.  To-day's  Gospel  contains  one  of  Our  Lord's  many 

parables, 
ii.  One  of  the  lessons  it  teaches  is  as  to  the  unequal 

distribution  of  God's  gifts  to  men. 

Every  one  a  penny: 

i.  The  Penny  means  the  total  reward  God  bestows. 

It  is  the  same  for  all,  as  the  soul  is  one,  and  Heaven 

is  one — viz.  Himself. 

ii.  This  reward  results  from  a  greater  or  lesser  gener- 
osity ; 
The  late  comers  working  harder,  though    for   a 

shorter  time. 

iii.  The   liouseholdcr  is    God    Himself,   bestowing    gifts 
unequally :  e.g. 

a.  On  some,  health  and  advantages  of  body. 

b.  On  others,  intelligence  and  qualities  of  mind. 

c.  On  these,  honours  and  riches. 

d.  On  those,  graces  and  virtues. 

e.  Of  some  He  requires  long  years  of  work  and 

service. 
/.  Of  others,  but  a  day,  or  even  an  hour. 

To  all  He  gives  freely,  for  He  owes  nothing 

to  any. 
iv.  Such  inequalities  give  rise  to  murmurs:  e.g. 

a.  The  poor  envy  the  rich. 

b.  The  less  endowed,  those  that  are  more  so. 

c.  Even  sinners  rage  at  the  favours  God  shows  to 

His  servants.     But, 
v.  To  all  God  replies  He  is  free  to  act  as  He  pleases : 

"Is  it  not  lawful  for  Me  to  do  what  I  will?"     Mth. 

xx.  15. 
"  Is  thy  eye  evil,  because  I  am  good  ?  "     Ibid. 

a.  Reply  graven  on  the  reason  of  each  one :  for, 

b.  God  is  bound  to  give 

1.  To  each  one  here  the  means  of  salvation. 

2.  To  all  hereafter  rewards  according  to  their 

merits:  Apoc.  xxii.  12. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  313 

vi.  So,  some  say  to  priests :  "  You  don't  treat  all  alike !  " 
Usually,  the  words  of  a  jealous  and  envious 
disposition. 

a.  Do  you  treat  all  alike  ?  e.g. 

1.  A  lady,  and  a  woman  in  rags  at  the  door  ? 

2.  A  friend  and  a  stranger  ? 

b.  Can  you  treat  all  alike  ? 

1 .  Treat  all  with  charity  and  consideration ;  but, 

2.  In  other  things,  it  is  impossible,  and  is  not 

expected. 

c.  Does  God  Himself  treat  all  alike  ? 

1.  It  is  of  faith,  that  He  gives  to  all  the  means 

of  salvation.     But, 

2.  In  other  things,  He  does  not  treat  all  equally, 

nor  is  He  bound  to. 

3.  So   will   a   priest   act,  as   to   Sacraments, 

Instruction  and  essentials. 
In  other  things,  he  may  act  as  prudence 

may  suggest. 

First  and  Last :  this  thought  is 
i.  A  powerful  stimulus  to  both  : 

a.  The  First,  lest  through  indifference,  they  be  out- 

stripped. 

b.  The  Last,  lest  they  give  way  to  discouragement, 
ii.  A  motive  for  humility,  to 

a.  The  First,  that  having  begun  early,  they  have 

made  so  little  progress. 

b.  The  Last,  that  having  begun  so  recently,  they 

are  already  so  tepid, 
iii.  A  reason  for  despising  no  one ;  for, 

a.  This  new  penitent  is  perhaps  more  fervent  than  I. 

b.  This  sinner  may  be  converted  sooner  than  I. 

c.  I  may  yet  fall,  deny  the  faith,  and  be  lost ! 

Lessons  : 

i.  Be  grateful  for  God's  gifts,  of  whatever  kind, 
ii.  Murmur  not,  if  others  have  received  more  than  you. 
With  their  greater  gifts,  they  have  greater  respon- 
sibility :  Lke.  xii.  48. 
iii.  Make  the  best  use  of  the  graces  you  have  received, 

great  or  small. 

iv.  You  are  certainly  of  those  that  are  called :  Will  you 
be  of  those  that  are  chosen  ! 


3H  SERMON  PLANS 


157.     HEARERS  OF  THE   WORD. 

"  The  seed  is  the  Word  of  God."     Lkc.  viii.  1 1. 

i.  People  often  speak  of  the  need  of  good  preachers, 
ii.  How  seldom,  of  the  need  of  good  hearers ! 

Yet  these  are  essential,  if  preaching  is  to  do  good, 
iii.  Consider  some  classes  of  hearers  of  the  Word :  for 
The   Word   of   God    is   a   seed,    which    requires 
congenial  soil  for  its  growth. 

I.  Attendance  at  instructions: 

i.  A  first  essential,  if  sermons  are  to  be  beneficial. 

a.  Yet  how  many,  young  especially,  neglect  it — 

persistently. 

b.  How  many  seem  to  think  it  unnecessary — for 

them. 

c.  But  religious  instruction  is  necessary  for  all. 

In  this,  as  in  profane  learning,  intellect  and 

memory  weaken, 
ii.  Priests  are  bound  to  preach  and  instruct : 

Implying  the  corresponding  duty  of  the  Faithful 

to  hear, 
iii.  All   therefore   are   urged    to   earnest    and    regular 

attendance. 
The    present    time,   most   appropriate    for   such 

resolution. 

iv.  Except   in   such   spirit,  the   holy  season  will   pass 
unprofitably. 

II.  Classes  of  hearers: 

i.  The  Vacant  Hearer: 

a.  The  Word  of  God  is  weighty  truth,  concerning 

1.  The  nature  of  God  and  the  Soul. 

2.  The  various  mysteries  of  faith. 

3.  Our  duties ;  our  future  destiny,  etc. 

b.  This   Word    therefore   requires   attention   and 

thought. 

c.  Yet  many  are  distracted,  or  asleep,  present  only 

in  body. 

d.  Divine  truths  cannot  rouse  the   heart,  unless 

they  enter  the  mind. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  315 


e.  They  fall  on  the  Vacant  Hearer,  like  the  seed 

on  the  wayside. 

The  Devil  takes  the  Word  away  by  distrac- 
tions, lest  they  believe, 
ii.  The  Curious  Hearer: 

rt.  Gives  attention,  but  only  to  criticize : 

The  subject,  the  treatment,  or  the  language: 

b.  Resembles   those   who   tried    to   ensnare   Our 

Lord  in  His  speech  :  Lke.  xi.  54. 

c.  Applies  sermons  to  his  neighbours : 

1.  Unprofitable  to  himself,  and  uncharitable 

to  them. 

2.  Food  is  thus  offered  him,  but  refused. 

d.  The   Cure   of   Ars   a   most   simple,   yet    most 

successful  preacher, 
iii.  The  Prayerless  Hearer : 

a.  Appearances    of    piety    may    exist    alongside 

tepidity. 

b.  The  heart  in  such  cases  is  little  moved,  if  at  all. 

1.  No  profit  is  derived,  without  the  dew  of 

grace  through  prayer. 

2.  The  Word  falls  like  the  seed  on  the  rock 

without  moisture. 

3.  Hence,  sermon  after  sermon  leaves  it  as 

before. 

c.  The  Spirit  of  God  alone  can  truly  influence  the 

heart. 

d.  Hence,  always  some  prayer  before  instruction. 

The  old  woman  and  the  Preacher.* 

Lessons : 

i.  No  longer  shirk  Church  services  and  instruction, 
ii.  If  hitherto,  careless  hearers  of  the  Word,  resolve 

now  to  amend, 
iii.  Come  determined  to  profit  by  each  instruction. 

With  humility,  eagerness  to  learn,  and  determina- 
tion to  do. 

iv.  Then   will  it  strike   root,  and  bring  forth  fruit  in 
due  season. 


*  It  was  made  known  to  a  celebrated  preacher  that  the  great 
success  of  his  sermons  was  due,  not  to  his  eloquence  and  oratory,  but 
to  the  humble  prayers  of  a  poor  woman,  telling  her  beads  on  the 
steps  of  the  pulpit. 


316  SERMON   PLANS 


158.     RELAPSE. 

"  In  time  of  temptation,  they  fall  away."     Lke.  viii.  13. 

i.  Relapse  into  corporal  disease  is  full  of  danger, 
ii.  So  likewise  is  spiritual  relapse  to  the  soul. 

Relapse  into  sin: 

i.  Means :  falling  into  the  same  sin  after  confession, 
ii.  To    escape    such    evil,    three    obstacles    must    be 
removed : — 

a.  We  must  avoid  the  occasions  of  former  sin. 

b.  We  must  not  despise  the  grace  of  pardon  now 

received. 

c.  We  must  lay  aside  such  worldly  cares,  as  draw 

off  from  God. 

iii.  Each  relapse  makes  our  state  worse  before  Him,  as 
Christ  declares : 

"Sin  no  more,  lest  some  worse  thing  happen  to  thee." 

Jn.  v.  14. 
"The   last   state   .    .    .    becomes   worse   than   the   first." 

Lke.  xi.  26. 

Typified    by   the    seven   wicked   spirits   entering 

the  soul, 
iv.  It  also  makes  us  more  responsible: 

a.  Greater  mercy  and  light  prove  greater  ingrati- 

tude ;  and 

b.  Every  relapse  is  a  fresh  and  greater  sin. 
v.  Repetition  of  acts  makes  easy :   e.g. 

Practising   a   musical   instrument  makes  a  good 

player. 

Repeated  firing  makes  a  steady  shot, 
vi.  So,  sin  repeated  becomes  more  easy  to  commit. 

The  attraction  is  greater,  the  power  of  resistance 

is  less, 
vii.  The  soul  is  then  more  abandoned  of  God : 

a.  Relapse  is  an  abuse  of  the  mercy  of  pardon. 

b.  Such  abuse  of  grace  provokes  God  to  anger, 
f.  What  reason  thus  to  tremble  at  His  threats: 

"You  shall  seek  Me,  and  shall  not  find  Me."    Jn.  vii.  34. 
"You   shall   seek   Me,  and  you  shall    die  in  your  sins." 
Jn.  viii.  21. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  317 


d.  S.  Paul  tells  how  these  threats  were  executed 

on  the  Jews :  Rom.  xi.  8. 
viii.  Thus  does  the  heart  harden  in  sin,  to  rise  no  more. 

Example  of  Samson. * 

ix.  God  makes  indeed  consoling  promises  to  those  that 
repent. 

"He  that  shall  forsake  them  (sins),  shall  obtain  mercy." 

Prov.  xxviii.  13. 
"  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  contrite  heart." 

Ps.  xxxiii.  19. 

x.  Examples  of  God's  readiness  to  pardon. 
S.  Mary  Magdalen :  Lke.  vii. 
Parable  of  the  Prodigal :  Ibid.  xv. 
xi.  But  where  does  God  promise   pardon  to   such  as 

abuse  His  grace  ? 
xii.  S.  Peter  compares  the  relapsing  sinner  to 

The  dog   returning  to   his  vomit :    2   Pet.  ii.  22 

(from  Prov.  xxvi.  n). 
The  sow  that  was  washed,  to  her  wallowing  place. 

How  forcible  these  expressions,  yet  how  true! 
xiii.  Relapse  is  thus  the  high  road  to  eternal  damnation, 
xiv.  Only  by  forsaking  sin,  can  we  hope  for  mercy. 
To  this  end,  we  must  take  the 

Means  to  avoid  relapse : 

i.  Guarding  against  occasions  of  fall : 

a.  Unnecessary,  to  be  avoided  at  all  cost :  Mth.  v.  29. 

b.  Necessary,  by  making  them  remote, 
ii.  Daily  prayer,  and  renewal  of  resolution. 

iii.  Devotion  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  the  Saints, 
iv.  Frequentation  of  the  Sacraments. 


*  Samson,  blinded  by  his  passion  for  Delila,  allowed  himself  to  be 
deluded  by  her,  although  she  had  already  betrayed  him  several  times  ; 
but  he  was  at  last  deprived  of  his  strength,  without  being  aware  it  had 
left  him.  He  then  fell  into  the  power  of  his  enemies,  and  became  their 
slave  for  life.  Judg.  xvi. — So,  the  relapsing  sinner  thinks  of  rising 
again  after  his  next  fall,  as  before,  not  reflecting  that  the  Lord 
frequently  departs  from  those  who  thus  abuse  His  mercy. 


31 8  SERMON  PLANS 


159.     SPIRITUAL   BLINDNESS. 

i.  Faith  is  to  the  Soul,  what  Sight  is  to  the  Body. 

a.  Spiritual  blindness  is  the  privation  of  Faith  ;  as 

b.  Bodily  blindness  is  loss  of  sight. 

ii.  Spiritual  blindness  shows  itself  in  many  forms :  e.g. 

a.  Mistaking  grave  sins  as  venial. 

b.  Showing  outward  piety,  along  with  neglect  of 

duty. 

c.  Tepidity    and     indifference    to     the    voice    of 

conscience, 
iii.  Ask  the  miracle  of  God's  grace  to  overcome  this 

spiritual  disease. 
As  the  blind  man  of  Jericho  asked  for  his  bodily 

sight, 
iv.  Consider  therefore  the  Causes  and  Effects  of  such  evil, 

then  the  Means  to  overcome  it. 
I.  Causes;  whatever  tends  to  weaken  faith:  e.g. 

i.  Pride,  which  darkens  the  mind,  and  drives  out  God's 
light. 

"God  resisteth  the  proud."    Jas.  iv.  6. 

ii.  Lust,  which  stifles  supernatural  light,  and  sacrifices 
soul  to  body. 

"  The  sensual  man  perceiveth  not  those  things  that  are  of 

the  spirit."    I  Cor.  ii.  14. 

iii.  Love  of   ease,   producing   tepidity   and    indifference, 
whereas 

"The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  suffereth  violence."  Mth.  xi.  12. 
iv.  A  ttachment  to  riches : 

"Set  not  your  heart  upon  them."     Ps.  Ixi.  n. 

a.  Working  exclusively  for  the  things  that  pass. 

b.  Doing  little  or  nothing  for  those  that  last  for  ever. 

c.  Hardening  the  heart  against  the  wants  of  the 

poor. 
Thus  blinding  the  intellect  to  the  true  value 

of  things. 
v.  The  Devil,  the  father  of  lies,  who 

a.  Blinds  souls  to  their  true  and  best  interests. 

As  with  Adam  and  Eve  in  Eden  :  Gen.  iii.  4. 

b.  Keeps  them  subject  to  himself  through   their 

passions.* 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  319 

II.  Effects,  in  the  Christian: 

i.  He  fails  to  realize  the  supernatural,  the  value  of 

grace,  etc. 

ii.  He  sees  not  the  need  of  prayer  or  the  Sacraments, 
iii.  He  goes  to  Death,  Judgment  and  Eternity  without 

preparation, 
iv.  He  is  reduced  to  beg,  like  the  blind  man  in  the 

Gospel :  i.e. 
He  seeks  in  creatures  the  satisfaction  of  his  pride 

and  evil  desires, 
v.  To  heal  such  blindness,  let  him  employ  certain 

III.  Means,  such  as  the  blind  man  took:  viz. 

i.  Enquiry  after  truth  and  knowledge  of  God : 

a.  The  blind  man  enquired  who  was  passing,  and 

learnt  it  was  Jesus. 

b.  He  knew  of  the  miracles  wrought  by  Him ;  and 

c.  Truly  regarded  Him  as  the  promised  Messiah, 
ii.  The  knowledge  of  God  spreads  light  throughout  the 

soul. 

a.  Scattering  illusions  and  false  ideas. 

b.  Hence   the    need    and    the    duty   of     seeking 

instruction. 

c.  See  the  value  of  religious  training  in  the  young, 
iii.  Fervent  appeals  to  God's  mercy  and  power. 

"Jesus,  son  of  David,  have  mercy  on  me."     Lke.  xviii.  38. 
"  Lord,  that  I  may  see."     Ibid.  41. 

Lessons : 

i.  Jesus  is  passing  now,  and  may  not  return ;  i.e. 

This    very  instruction    is    His    healing  grace  to 

some  soul  here, 
ii.  Take  the  above  means  to  obtain  the  cure  of  your 

spiritual  blindness. 
If  you  reject  them,  or  delay,  the  grace  may  be 

lost  for  ever. 

iii.  Ever  ask  the  gift  of  Faith,  which  is  the  spiritual 
sight  of  the  soul. 

*  When  the  devil  holds  a  man  in  the  bondage  of  sin,  his  chief  care 
is.  to  blind  him  more  and  more,  and  to  keep  him  from  every  thought 
which  might  lead  him  to  a  knowledge  of  his  miserable  condition. — 
Scupoli. 

V 


320  SERMON  PLANS 


160.     SELF-EXAMINATION. 

"Lord,  that  I  may  see."     Lke.  xviii.  41. 

i.  The  Lord's  appearance  and  question  to  Solomon : 

3  Kgs.  iii.  5. 
ii.  Solomon's  answer  a  model  to  us.     For, 

a.  We  too  require  "an  understanding  heart;"  and, 

b.  The  blind  man's  petition  should  also  be  ours, 
iii.  Of  an  occasional  review  of  our  past,  consider : 

I.  The  Advantages: 

i.  It  lays   bare   faults   and   transgressions   overlooked 
before,  which 

a.  Puts  us  on  our  guard  against  repeating  them. 

b.  Helps  to  move  us  to  deeper  contrition. 

c.  Makes  us  more  fervent  to  do  penance, 
ii.  It  serves  to  humble  us: 

a.  Showing  all  our  sins,  as  at  a  glance. 

b.  Forcing  us  to  acknowledge'  our  misery  and  sin- 

fulness. 

c .  Exciting  us  to  beg  for  mercy,  like  David :  Ps. 

xxix.  12. 
iii.  It  helps  to  show  us  our  position  : 

a.  Whether  we  are  advancing,  or  losing  ground. 

b.  Like  the  merchant,  summing  up  accounts  at  the 

audit, 
iv.  It  makes  our  conscience  more  pure  and  tender. 

The  mirror  is  brighter,  the  oftener  it  is  swept.  . 
v.  At  present,  it  will  help  us  to  spend  well  the  season  of 
Lent. 

II.  The  Method: 

i.  Consider  the  confessions  of  the  past :  whether, 

o.  The  examination  of  conscience  was  carefully 
made  ? 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  321 

b.  Contrition  was  real  and  sincere  ? 

c.  The  confession  full  and  complete  ? 

ii.  Examine  the  sins  committed,  and  the  number  of 
times : 

a.  Against  the  Commandments  of  God. 

b.  Against  the  Commandments  of  the  Church. 

c.  The  seven  deadly  sins,  sources  of  other  sins. 

d.  The  duties  of  one's  state  in  life : 

1.  As  to  omissions  and  commissions. 

2.  A  most  important  point,  too  often  neglected. 

e.  The  use  made  of  the  benefits  of  Religion,  e.g. 

1.  Sacraments  and  Sacrifice. 

2.  Prayers  and  Church  Services. 

3.  Sermons  and  Instructions. 

4.  Feasts  and  Fasts. 

iii.  Pay  more  heed  to  the  contrition  than  to  details  of 
sin.     Hence, 

a.  Pray  for  it  fervently,  for  it  is  God's  gift. 

b.  Make  a  visit  in  spirit  to 

1 .  Hell,  the  punishment  of  sin. 

2.  Heaven,  lost  by  sin. 

3.  Calvary,  the  work  of  sin. 

c.  Invoke  the  aid  of  models  of  repentance :  e.g. 

King  David  :  Ps.  1. 

5.  Peter :  Mth.  xxvi.  75. 

S.  Mary  Magdalen  :  Lke.  vii.  47. 
S.  Margaret  of  Cortona:  Feb.  22. 
S.  Augustine :  Aug.  28. 

Conclusions : 

i.  Daily  examination  of  conscience  most  useful, 
ii.  Make  an  occasional  general  review  of  the  past. 

Especially  suitable  to  seasons  like  the  present, 
iii.  Join  to  it  the  spirit  and  practice  of  a  penitential  life. 


322 


PLANS 


161.     TEMPTATION. 

"Jesus  was  led  ...  to  be  tempted."     Mth.  iv.  i. 
i.  To-day's  Gospel  is  full  of  useful  instruction  : 

The  example  of  Our  Lord  under  temptation, 
ii.  All  men  are  liable  to  temptation  in  some  form, 
iii.  Consider  therefore  a  question  of  practical  import  to 
all. 

Temptation : 

i.  An  allurement  to  sin,  an  incitement  to  evil. 
The  Serpent  and  our  first  parents :  Gen.  iii. 
The  Devil  and  Our  Lord  in  to-day's  Gospel, 
ii.  Three  stages  in  temptation  : 

a.  Suggestion  : 

1.  Any  act  in  which  a  thing  forbidden  is  put 

before  us. 

2.  May  spring 

a.  From  without :  sinful  words  or  acts 

of  others. 
/?.  From   within :     sinful   thoughts    and 

imaginations. 

3.  Not  in  itself  sinful :  on  the  contrary, 

4.  An  occasion  of  merit,  if  we  reject  it. 

5.  We  need  not  therefore  repine  at  it. 

"The  disciple  is  not  above  the   master."     Mth. 
x.  24. 

b.  Pleasure  in  the  object  presented  : 

1.  Through  proneness  to  evil,  we  are  easily 

affected  by  sinful  objects. 

2.  Hence  the  need  of  at  once  resisting  the 

suggestion. 

Contrast  Our  Lord's  conduct  and   that 
of  Adam  and  Eve. 

3.  If  the  mind  dally  with  pleasure,  there  may 

be  a  beginning  of  sin. 
Example  of   S.  John  Gualbert,  meeting 
his  brother's  assassin  :  July  12. 

c.  Consent  : 

i.  Exercise  of  the  will,  doing  what  it  knows  to 

be  wrong. 
Adam  and  Eve  taking  the  forbidden  fruit. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  323 


2.  The  heart  is  the  seat  of  the  will,  in  Scrip- 

tural language. 

Sin   thus    implies    giving   the    heart   to 
something  opposed  to  God. 

3.  Yet  the  heart  is  the  one  thing  God  asks  of 

us. 

This  we  give  best  by  observing  His  Law. 
iii.  Knowledge  of  the  nature  of  temptation  useful  and 
necessary. 

a.  It  should  calm  those  who  are  distressed  with 

temptation. 

b.  It  should  make  us  watchful  against  the  first 

approach  of  evil, 
iv.  Temptations  are  useful. 

a.  They  show  us  our  strength  or  weakness. 

These  cannot  be  known  till  tested. 

b.  They  become  to  us  a  source  of  merit  and  reward. 

1.  Every   temptation    overcome   means    in- 

crease of  glory. 

2.  Hence  the  man  that  is  tempted  is  called 

blessed:  Jas.  i.  12. 

c.  They  serve  to  atone  for  sin  : 

Like  any  other  cross  or  trial. 

1.  Sometimes  temptations  are  the  results  of 

past  sin. 

2.  If  borne  in  the  spirit  of  penance,  they  make 

reparation. 

Lessons ; 

i.  Before  temptation :  foresee  and  avoid  the  occasions  of  it. 
ii.  During  temptation :  prayer  to  God,  and  cheerfulness. 

a.  The  devil  cannot  attack  God  directly. 

b.  He  does  it  therefore  indirectly,  through  us. 

c.  Thus  we  are  fighting  God's  battles,  and  He  will 

help  us. 
iii.  After  temptation : 

a.  If  yielded  to :  act  of  contrition ;  confession,  if 

necessary. 

b.  If  resisted:  thanks  to  God,  and  to  Him  the  glory. 
iv.  Above  all,  be  not  distressed :  temptation  is  not  sin. 

a.  All  the  Saints  have  been  subject  to  it. 

b.  There  is  no  ripe  fruit  unpecked  by  the  birds. 


3*4 


SEff.VO.V  PLANS 


162.     FASTING. 

"  He  fasted  forty  days  and  forty  nights."     Mth.  iv.  2. 

i.  Lent  especially  a  time  for  fasting  and  penance, 
ii.  Consider  this  practice,  of  which  Our  Lord  gives  us 
the  example. 

Fast  of  Lent : 

i.  In  the   state   of   primitive  innocence,  penance  not 

necessary.     But, 
ii.  Through  the  Fall,  mortification  became  so,  as 

a.  A  means  of  atonement  for  past  sin,  and 

b.  A  preventive  against  future  sin. 

iii.  Lest  the  duty  of  penance  be  neglected,  the  Church 

appoints  Lent  for  it. 
Probably,  from  the  time  of  the  Apostles  themselves. 

iv.  Binding  under  sin,  unless  there  be  lawful  dispensa- 
tion. 

"  Whatsoever  you    shall  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound 

also  in  Heaven."  Mth.  xviii.  18. 
"  Let    every    soul    be     subject    to      higher     powers." 

Rom.  xiii.  I. 

v.  Our  Lord  fasted,  as  to-day's  Gospel  reminds  us : 

a.  To  fulfil  types  of  Himself:  e.g. 

Moses  fasted,  before  receiving  the  Old  Law : 

Deut.  ix.  9. 
Elias,  before  seeing  God  on  Horeb :  3  Kgs. 

xix.  8. 

b.  To  prepare  for  promulgating  the  New  Law. 

c.  To  teach  and  encourage  us  by  His  example. 

Fasting : 

i.  Comprises  two  distinct  elements,  viz. : 
a.  Quantity  of  food  : 

1.  Only  one  full  meal  a  day — the  essence  of  a 

fast-day. 

2.  Evening  collation  of  not  more  than  8  oz. 

3.  In  England,  by  custom,  2  oz.  allowed  in 

the  morning. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  325 


b.  Quality  of  food  : 

1.  Flesh-meat  forbidden. 

Though  now  allowed,  on  certain  days. 

2.  Flesh  and  fish  never  allowed  at  the  same 

meal, 
ii.  Binds  all  between  the  ages  of  21  and  60  years. 

a.  Under    pain    of    mortal    sin,  unless    lawfully 

dispensed. 

b.  Judge  not  in  your  own  case ;  or  you  may  err, 

1.  By  scrupulous  severity  ;  or  rather, 

2.  By  lax  decision  in  your  own  favour. 

iii.  Dispensation  can  only  be  given  by  lawful  authority : 

a.  Then  it  does  not  dispense  from  abstinence. 

b.  And  extends  only  so  far  as  given. 

Advantages : 

i.  It  appeases  God's  anger :  e.g. 
The  Ninevites  :  Jon.  iii.  10. 
ii.  It  atones  for  past  sin, 

Which  must  be  expiated,  here  or  hereafter, 
iii.  It  preserves  against  future  sin. 

"  I  chastise  my  body,  lest  ...  I  should  become  a  castaway." 
i  Cor.  ix.  27. 

iv.  It  subdues  the  unruly  passions. 

Hence  the  esteem  the  Saints  had  of  it. 
v.  It  tends  also  even  to  bodily  health. 

See  the  vigour  and  long  life  of  the  hermits.* 

Lessons : 

i.  Do  not  shirk  the  weighty  obligation  of  fasting, 
ii.  But  do  not  make  it  a  plea  for  indulgence  in  other 

ways.f 
iii.  If  unequal  to  it,  don't  take  the  Law  into  your  own 

hands, 
iv.  Compensate    for  dispensation,  by  penance  in  other 

ways.     For, 
v.  To  penance  in  some  form  every  one  is  bound. 

"  Unless  you  shall  do  penance,  you  shall  all  likewise  perish." 
Lke.  xiii.  3. 

*  S.Paul,  the  Hermit,  lived  to  be  1 13  ;  S.Anthony,  105  ;  S. Arsenius, 
120  ;  all  were  of  simple  and  austere  lives. 

t  On  fast-days,  you  will  not  eat  flesh,  but  you  devour  your  brother 
by  irritating  words  ;  you  drink  no  wine,  but  you  cannot  refrain  from 
railing. — 6".  Basil. 


326  SERMON  PLANS 


163.     THE   TRANSFIGURATION. 

"  He  was  transfigured  before  them."     Mth.  xvii.  2. 

i.  How  different  this  event  from  that  of  last  Sunday's 
Gospel. 

a.  There,  temptation;  here,  triumph. 

b.  Then  struggle ;  now,  peace  and  glory. 

ii.  Our   Lord's  transfiguration,  a  recompense  for  His 

temptation. 

So  reward  is  in  store  for  us,  if  we  conquer. 
Hi.  Take  some  points  of  this  glorious  manifestation. 

I.  How  was  Christ  transfigured? 

i.  He  did  not  show  His  Divinity,  as  the  Saints  behold 

it.     But, 

ii.  He  communicated  to  His  Body  some  of  the  glory  of 
His  soul. 

a.  His  whole  body  shining  more  brightly  than  the 

sun. 

b.  Even  His  garments  becoming  white  as  snow, 
iii.  A  cloud  overshadowed  the  witnesses,  symbol  of  divine 

presence. 

As  when  God  appeared  to  Moses :  Ex.  xix.  9. 
iv.  Typifying  a  four-fold  transformation,  viz : 

a.  In  the  Incarnation  :  the  Divinity  truly  present  in 

Human  Form. 

b.  On  the  Cross :  as  a  worm  and  no  man  :  Ps.  xxi.  7. 

c.  At  the  Resurrection  :  in  splendour  and  power. 

d.  In  the  Holy  Eucharist :   under  the  sacramental 

veil, 
v.  A  physical  transfiguration,  in  the  body. 

Not  merely  moral,  as  some  Saints  have  had  in 
ecstasy. 

II.  Why  was  Christ  transfigured? 
i.  To  prove  His  Divinity  to  the  Three. 

ii.  To  strengthen  them  for  His  approaching  Passion. 

And  in  them,  the  other  Apostles,  and  the  Faithful, 
iii.  To  foreshadow  His  future  coming  in  glory. 

a.  Confirming  their  faith  therein. 

b.  Hence,  Elias  present,  who  will  reappear  at  the 

last  day. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  327 

iv.  To  show  what  treasures  of  glory  await  us  in  Heaven. 

Where  the  least  of  the  Blessed  has  greater  glory 

than  Christ  here  displayed, 
v.  To  show  how  the  beauty  of  Heaven  transcends  all 

earthly  beauty, 
vi.  To  encourage  His  followers  to  bear  trials,  in  hope  of 

similar  glory, 
vii.  To  represent  the  soul  transformed  in  prayer,  whereby 

a.  The  weak  are  made  strong. 

b.  The  slothful  become  fervent. 

viii.  To  instruct  us  as  to  the  quality  of  risen  bodies,  in 
the  Blessed. 

III.  Why  so  few  witnesses? 

i.  Our  Lord  came  to  save  by  humiliations. 

Hence  He  showed  His  glory  as  little  as  possible, 
ii.  These  three  Apostles,  the  foremost : 

a.  Peter  was  to  be  the  future  head  of  the  Church : 

Faith. 

b.  James,  most  faithful,  the  first  to  die  for  God : 

Hope. 

c.  John,  the  living  theologian  of  Christ's  Divinity : 

Chanty. 

All  three  to  witness  the  agony:  Mth.  xxvi.  37. 
iii.  As  to  the  representatives  of  the  Past : 

a.  Moses  symbolized  the  Law,  foreshadowing   the 

Messiah. 

b.  Elias,  the  prophets  who  foretold  Him. 

iv.  God  treats  all  equally,  as  to  essentials :  e.g.  grace  for 

salvation. 
Favours  He  may  grant  as  He  pleases. 

Lessons : 

i.  Our  Lord  had  more  humiliation  than  glory  in  life. 

Why  should  we  repine,  if  we  have  also  ? 
ii.  To  cheer  us,  God  gives  us  passing  glimpses  of  future 
reward  : 

S.  Paul  rapt  up  to  Paradise  :  2  Cor.  xii.  4. 

Interior  sweetnesses  of  soul, 
iii.  To-day's  Gospel  must  be  taken  with  last  Sunday's, 

reminding  us  that  joy  follows  trial, 
iv.  If  Lent  be  a  time  of  penance,  Easter  will  be  a  day 

of  joy. 


3a8  SERMON  PLANS 


164.     HEAVEN. 

"  It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here."     Mth.  xvii.  4. 
i.  S.  Peter's  delight  at  the  Transfiguration  shown  in 

these  words, 
ii.  They  suggest  the  thought  of  Heaven  : 

a.  Always  a  consoling  and  encouraging  thought. 

b.  An  appropriate  truth  to  dwell  on  in  Lent. 

Heaven ; 

"Glorious  things  are  said  of  thee,  O  City  of  God."  Ps.lxxxvi-3. 
i.  Place  of  reward  for  all  who  die  in  grace, 
ii.  The  land  of  happiness  and  joy,  peace  and  plenty. 

a.  Long :  all  its  goods  are  eternal. 

b.  Broad :  containing  all  possible  joys  for 

1.  Soul :  to  see,  love,  and  enjoy  God. 

2.  Body:  life,  health,  youth  and  beauty. 

c.  High :   its  joys  noble  and   exalted  above  con- 

ception :   i  Cor.  ii.  9. 

d.  Deep  :  its  happiness  unmixed  with  any  evil. 

Happiness  of  Heaven: 

i.  To  set  God  face  to  face :   i  Cor.  xiii.  12. 

a.  Every  faculty  of  soul  and  body  illumined  by 

the  light  of  glory. 

b.  In  Himself,  as  He  is:  i  Jn.  iii.  2. 

1.  Unity,  Trinity,  and  Perfections. 

2.  Providence  and  mercies  to  men. 

c.  In  Him,  the  Blessed  see  the  prayers  and  wants 

of  those  on  earth. 

d.  They  also  recognize  each  other,  as  they  did  here 

below. 

e.  The  reward  of  Faith. 
ii.  To  love  God  : 

a.  With  intense  energy  and  devotion,  not  as  here 

on  earth. 

b.  The  sight  of  His  perfections  enamours  the  soul 

of  Him. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  329 

c.  All  things  in  and  for  God,  as  He  loves  them. 

d.  To  praise,  bless  and  thank  Him  passionately. 

e.  The  reward  of  Chanty. 
iii.  To  enjoy  God : 

a.  The   Blessed,  in   their    Knowledge   and    Love, 

possess  God. 

b.  In  this  way  they  enjoy  God. 

c.  The  reward  of  their  Hope. 

iv.  Of  various  degrees,  according  to  the  merits  of  each. 

"  He   will   render   to   every   man   according   to   his   works." 

Mth.  xvi.  27. 
"He    who    soweth    sparingly    shall    also    reap    sparingly." 

2  Cor.  ix.  6. 

v.  Doctors,   Martyrs  and  Virgins  will    have  a  special 

glory  of  their  own. 

vi.  All,  however,  happy  and  content  amid  the  inequality, 
vii.  Not  disturbed  by  separation  from  friends  in  Hell. 

They    bless    and    adore  the   infinite  Justice    and 

divine  Will  of  God. 
viii.  Accidental  happiness  may  increase  with  time. 

a.  Every  new  arrival  adds  to  the  general  joy. 

b.  Our  good  works  may  do  good  after  us,  and  so 

add  to  our  reward  ! 
ix.  Eternal : 

a.  Essential  to  real  and  complete  happiness. 

b.  Without  any  fear  of  loss  or  diminution. 

Lessons : 

i.  Meditation  on  Heaven  : 

a.  A  preservative  against  sin :  Ecclus.  vii.  40. 

b.  A  spur  to  vigilance  and  care. 

c.  A  support  in  penance  and  trial, 
ii.  Examples  to  encourage  us.* 

iii.  If  Heaven  be  gained,  all  is  gained ! 


*  S.  Paul,  rapt  up  to  Heaven,  unable  to  recount  the  beauty  thereof. 
i  Cor.  ii.  9 — -S.  Chrysostom  said  he  would  be  willing  to  pass  through 
hell-fire  to  possess  God  in  Heaven — S.  Adrian,  M.  converted  to  the 
Faith,  by  the  thought  of  this  eternal  reward. 


330  SERMON  PLANS 


165.     THE  TWO   STANDARDS. 
"  He  that  is  not  with  Me  is  against  Me."     Lke.  xi.  23. 

i.  There  are  two  standards  unfurled  in  the  world  : 

a.  The  standard  of  Good,  borne  by  Our  Saviour. 

b.  The  standard  of  Evil,  carried  by  the  Devil, 
ii.  Meditate  on  these  words,  and  see  where  we  stand. 

I.  The  Standard  of  Evil : 

i.  Inscribed:  "Honours, riches, pleasures — Happiness." 

a.  These  of  themselves  not  sinful. 

b.  Thus  they  attract  men. 

c.  Yet  they  often  and  easily  lead  to  sin. 

ii.  Evil  spirits  and  wicked  men  are  the  bearers  of  this 

standard. 

iii.  These  standard-bearers  put  before  men  the  thought 
of 

a.  Honoifrs :  to   flatter  their  vanity,  etc.  to  sinful 

degrees. 

b.  Riches:  to  gain  which,  they  commit   injustice 

and  other  sins. 

c.  Pleasures :  to  captivate  them,  and  lead  them  to 

forbidden  indulgence, 
iv.  These  ministers  of  Satan  work  with  a  will, 

a.  To  lead  the  good  from  the  path  of  virtue. 

b.  To  make  sinners  relapse,  and  contract  habits  of 

sin  ;  and  so, 

c.  To  retain  them  in  tepidity  and  indifference, 
v.  Whosoever  are  led  and  guided  by  them 

a.  Are  really  themselves  ministers  of  Satan. 

b.  Are  fighting  under  the  banner  of  the  Devil. 

c.  Are   on    the   broad  road   leading  to   Hell   and 

damnation. 

vi.  Satan    and    his   ministers   are   found   all   over   the 
globe.* 

II.  The  Standard  of  Good: 

i.  Inscribed  :  "  Penance,  Christian  life — Heaven." 

a.  Penance,  of  itself,  not  attractive  to  flesh   and 

blood.     But, 

b.  It  brings  with  it  peace  and  holy  joy. 

c.  Experience  of  the  Saints  and  the  Just  proves 

this. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  331 

ii.  Our  Lord  employs  Angels,  Priests  and  good  people 
in  the  world, 

a.  To  urge  the  wicked  to  repentance  and  amend- 

ment. 

b.  To    lead    the    good    to    greater    sanctity   and 

perseverance, 
iii.  He  bids  them 

a.  Show  the  fleeting  character  of  honours,  riches 

and  pleasures. 

b.  Teach   the   spirit   of   penance,  as  a  source  of 

Christian  perfection. 

c.  Give   peace   to   souls,  through   the   pardon   of 

sin. 

d.  Guide  men  to  Heaven,  by  advice,  sympathy  and 

example. 

iv.  The    standard-bearers    of   Christ    also    work   with 
fervour : 

a.  Burning  with  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls. 

b.  Teaching  Christian  doctrine  to  little  ones. 

c.  Visiting  the  lax,  the  sick  and  dying : 

Often  a  thankless  task,  but  done  for  God. 

d.  Travelling  from  country  to  country  : 

Like  S.  Francis  Xavier  and  Catholic  mission- 
aries, 
v.  Whoso  acts  thus  is 

a.  Truly  a  minister  of  God. 

b.  Fighting  under  the  banner  of  Christ. 

c.  Leading  men  to  Heaven  and  eternal  salvation, 
vi.  An    honour    and    a    privilege   to    fight   under   the 

standard  of  Good. 

Lessons : 

i.  Under  one  or  other  of  these  banners  all  must  stand, 
ii.  Lent,  a  time  for  considering  where  we  are  in  the 

matter, 
iii.  If  we  really  wish  for  salvation,  the  banner  of  Christ 

is  our  only  Hope. 
iv.  Resolution  by  each  one,  according  to  his  needs. 


*  S.  Antony  seemed  to  see  the  whole  world  covered  with  the  snares 
of  the  Evil  One  and  exclaimed  :  "Who  shall  ever  escape  them  ?"  A  voice 
replied  :  "  The  humble  man."  Humility  must  be  opposed  to  the  pride  of 
Satan. 


332  SERMON  PLANS 


166.     HEARING   THE   WORD   OF  GOD. 

"  Blessed  they  who  hear  the  Word  of  God  and  keep  it."     Lke.  xi.  28. 
i.  These  words  contain 

a.  Instruction:  teaching  a  simple  means  for  obtain- 

ing a  blessing. 

b.  Encouragement:  for  the  means  is  within  the  reach 

of  all. 

c.  Caution :  if  we  take  not  the  means,  we  cannot 

expect  the  blessing, 
ii.  Hearing  the  Word  is  a  weighty  obligation. 

The  Church  has  authority  to  teach : 

i.  Scripture  urges  the  duty  of  hearing  the  Church. 

"  He  that  heareth  you  heareth  Me."     Lke.  x.  16. 

"  Faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing,  by  the  Word  of  Christ." 

Rom.  x.  17. 
ii.  The  Church  has  to  defend  the  Faithful  against  error. 

a.  Preaching  is  a  weapon  of  her  enemies  to  spread 

error. 

b.  She  is  bound  therefore  to  teach,  preach  and 

instruct. 

iii.  Preaching  is  an  obligation  weighing  on  the  priest. 
S.  Paul  fears  for  himself,  should  be  fail  therein : 

i  Cor.  ix.  1 6. 
The  Council  of  Trent  recalls  this  obligation:  Sess. 

xxiv.  c.  iv. 
iv.  Hence  the  duty  of  the  Faithful  to  hear  the  Word. 

Hearing  the  Word: 

i.  One  of  the  ordinary  means  of  grace  and  salvation. 

a.  In  many  cases  we  cannot  know  our  duty,  unless 

we  are  taught. 

b.  Instruction  will  not  come,  if  we  deliberately  fail 

to  hear  it. 
ii.  Some  seem  to  think  sermons  are  not  necessary. 

a.  None  need  them  more  than  they  who  think  they 

need  them  not. 

b.  In  some  cases,  omission  of  this  duty  may  be  a 

mortal  sin. 

iii.  In  all  other  matters,  men  need  and  receive  instruc- 
tion :  e.g. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  333 

In  Law,  in  Medicine,  to  be  up  to  date. 

Why  not  then  in  Religion,  the  highest  of  all  Sciences  ? 
iv.  The  obligation  of  preaching  implies  the  correlative 

duty  of  hearing, 
v.  How  then  describe  such  as  habitually  neglect  it  ? 

a.  The  Church  has  no  reason  to  be  proud  of  them ! 

b.  She  has  reason  to  fear  they  may  fall  in  time  of 

trial.* 
vi.  One  of  the  uses  of  Churches  is  for  preaching  the 

Word: 
As  Our  Lord  constantly  taught  in  the  Temple : 

Lke.  xix.  47. 

vii.  The   nature   of    the   subjects   treated   shows    their 
importance :  e.g. 

a.  Doctrinal   truths :    e.g.      The    Incarnation ;    the 

Eucharist. 

b.  Moral  truths :  e.g.    Justice ;  Purity ;  Obedience. 

c.  Ditties  and  obligations  of  states  of  life, 
viii.  Too  many  neglect  to  hear  the  Word,  through 

a.  Pride  :  thinking  it  suitable  only  to  children  and 

the  poor. 

b.  Indolence:  seeking  comfort  at  home,  reading,  etc. 

Having  ears  to  hear,  they  do  not  hear, 
ix.  Yet  hearing  the  Word   is  an  essential   prelude  to 
keeping  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  You  may  have  much  to  answer  for,  if  you  wilfully 

omit  to  hear  instruction, 
ii.  Many  owe  their  conversion  and  salvation  to  hearing 

God's  Word. 
S.Antony:  Jan.  17. 
S.  Francis  of  Assisi :  Oct.  4. 
iii.  Responsibility  of  parents  in  this  regard,  as  to  their 

children ! 
iv.  God's  blessing  is  attached  to  hearing  and  keeping  the 

Word: 

This  blessing  we  cannot  afford  to  lose ! 
v.  Therefore  resolve  on  doing   your  best,  in   this  all 
important  duty. 


Words  of  the  Cure  of  Ars,  p.  249. 


334 


SERMON   PLANS 


167.     HOLY   COMMUNION. 

"Jesus  took  the  loaves  and  .  .  .  distributed  to  them."    Jn.  vi.  n. 

i.  Our  Lord's  anxiety  for  the  multitude  is  shared  by 
the  Church  now.     For, 

a.  Numbers  are  preparing  for  Easter  Communion  ; 

and, 

b.  The  question  is  how  best  to  receive  it. 

ii.  Some  thoughts  to-day  on  this  divine  food   of  our 
souls. 

Holy  Eucharist : 

i.  The  invention  of  God's  love,  to  be  near  us. 

Words  of  Moses  to  the  people :  Deut.  iv.  7. 
ii.  No  human  idea  could  conceive  such  a  stretch  of 

power  as  this, 
iii.  Is  really  a  prolongation  of  the  Incarnation  : 

a.  Our  Lord  not  physically  present  to  the  senses, 

as  then. 

b.  Yet  the  Sacrament  does  impress  the  senses. 

The  accidents  of  the  species  truly  cover  Him, 

here  or  there, 
iv.  The  greatest  of  the  Sacraments  : 

a.  A  means  of  grace  to  the  soul,  independent  of 

ourselves.     Yet, 

b.  Requires  preparation  in  us. 

1.  Chiefly  the  removal  of  obstacles;  and, 

2.  Exciting  great  desire. 

c.  Draws  the  will  to  adhere  to  God — devotion. 

d.  Delivers  from  daily  faults,  and  preserves  from 

mortal  sin. 
As  declared  by  the  Council  of  Trent,  against 

Calvinism, 
v.  Effects  union,  which  includes  two  thoughts : 

a.  Love  of  Our  Lord  for  union,  symbolized  by  His 

being  our  food. 

b.  Spiritual  clinging  of  man's  will  to  God's :  i.e. 

Having  same  desires,  same  judgments  as  He. 

c.  Thus,  truly,  Jesus  herein  gives  us  His  own  Heart, 

taking  our  heart  away. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  335 

Means  to  profit  by  this  Gift: 

i.  To  understand  it,  as  far  as  we  may : 

a.  Wide  field  for  thought  and  instruction. 

b.  Read  its  history,  and  the  sayings  of  the  Saints. 

c.  The  more  this  is  done,  the  more  is  the  heart 

influenced, 
ii.  Careful  use  of  the  Sacrament  of  Penance  : 

a.  Chiefly  in  warring  against  venial  sin. 

b.  Reduce  the  power  of  bad  habits. 

c.  Try  to  be  washed  "  yet  more  "  from  iniquity. 

d.  Present  the  heart  empty  of  self,  for  the  influx  of 

grace, 
iii.  Actual  devotion,  by  exciting 

a.  Deep  faith  and  trust  in  the  Real  Presence. 

b.  Humble  contrition  for  sin. 

c.  Longing  desire  to  receive  Our  Lord. 

iv.  Thanksgiving;  some  fifteen  minutes,  during  which, 

a.  Acts  of  the  soul  are  more  fervent. 

b.  More  ready  answers  are  given  to  petition ;  and 

c.  Our  transformation  to  the  likeness  of  Jesus  is 

more  efficacious. 

Therefore  let  not  these  precious  moments  of 
the  divine  Presence  slip  by  unheeded. 

Lessons : 

i.  Try  to  have  a  deep  appreciation  of  this  wondrous 

gift, 
ii.  Receive  it  with  gratitude : 

a.  Not  according  to  impulse,  or  absence  of  fervour. 

b.  But  guided  by  reason  and  faith  ;  for, 

c.  Devotion   lies  not  in  the  feelings,  but  in  the 

Will. 

iii.  In  any  case,  fail  not  to  receive  it  at  this  season, 
iv.  Pray  that  all  who  are  bound  may  do  the  same ;  to 

find  therein 

a.  A  source  of  strength  and  joy,  even  now. 

b.  A  fountain  of  increased  happiness  in  Heaven, 
v.  Receiving  Communion  frequently  in  life,  a  means  to 

obtain  it  as  Viaticum  at  death. 


w 


336  SERMON  PLANS 


168.     THE  GOSPEL   EXAMPLE. 

i.  Like  the  multitude   in  the  Gospel,  we  have  three 
things  to  do :  viz. 

a.  To  follow  Jesus. 

b.  To  receive  the  divine  Food  He  gives. 

c.  To  proclaim  Him  our  King. 

ii.  See  how  to  do  this,  and  whether  we  do  it. 

I.  We  must  follow  Jesus: 

i.  MOTIVES  for  doing  so  : 

a.  The  Will  of  God :  for  Jesus  is:  (Jn.  xiv.  6.) 

1.  The    Way,  that  leads   to   happiness,  here 

and  hereafter. 

2.  The  Truth  : 

a.  Enlightening  our  minds  against  error. 
ft.  Without  it,  we  cannot  hope  to  see  the 
splendours  of  Heaven. 

3.  The  Life  of  our  soul,  as  the  soul  is  of  the 

body. 

a.  By  grace  and  friendship. 
/?.  By  sacramental   union,  in  the  Holy 

Eucharist. 

b.  Our  Baptismal  Promises,  wherein 

We  renounce  the  Devil,  to  follow  Christ. 

c.  Our  best  Interests :  for,  to  follow  Jesus  is 

1.  To  cast  off  sinful  habits. 

2.  To  acquire  the  virtues  that  adorn  the  soul. 

3.  To  gain  a  title  to  the  glory  He  holds  out 

to  us. 
ii.  MEANS:  obedience  to  the  Laws  of 

a.  God,  laid  down  in  the  Gospels,  the  study  of 

which  is  a  source  of 

1.  Light  to  the  Mind. 

2.  Consolation  to  the  Heart. 

3.  Energy  to  the  Will. 

b.  The  Church,  who  speaks  in  God's  name:  e.g. 

1.  Laws  of  fasting  and  abstinence. 

2.  Obligation  of  hearing  Mass. 

3.  The  Easter  Precept :  i.e. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  337 

II.  We  must  receive  His  divine  Gift: 
i.  Precept  of  Our  Lord  Himself  : 

"  Except  you  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  Man.  ..."  Jn.  vi.  54. 
ii.  To  refuse  this,  is  to  disobey 

a.  Jesus  Christ,  our  Creator,  Redeemer  and  future 

Judge. 

b.  The  Church,  who  requires  it  of  her  children. 

1.  Once  a  year  at  least,  to  fulfil  her  command. 

2.  Often,  to  comply  with  her  desire, 
iii.  With  proper  dispositions  :  viz. 

a.  The    state    of     Grace,    through    Confession : 

(Soul) :  i  Cor.  xi.  28. 

b.  Fasting  from  midnight :  (Body). 

c.  Worthy  preparation  and  thanksgiving :  (Heart). 

III.  We  must  proclaim  Jesus  King: 
i.  MOTIVES: 

a.  Gratitude  : 

1.  After  the  multiplication  of  the  loaves,  the 

Jews  wanted  to  make  Christ  King. 

2.  The  Eucharistic  Bread  is  multiplied  daily, 

and  demands  similar  loyalty. 

b.  Justice : 

1.  We  gave  ourselves  to  Him   in    Baptism 

and  First  Communion. 

2.  To  withdraw  our  allegiance  would  be  as 

perjury. 

c.  If  Jesus  be  not  our  King  here,  He  will  not  be 

hereafter. 

What  else  will  then  avail  us  ?  Mth.  xvi.  26. 
ii.  MEANS  : 

a.  Lively    Faith    in    the   Mind,    submitting    the 

intelligence  to  His  sway. 

b.  Burning  Charity  in  the  Heart,  towards  God  and 

our  neighbour. 

c.  Humble  Resignation  in  the  Will,  to  God's  divine 

appointments. 

1.  Thus   will    Jesus   reign    over    our   whole 

being :  and, 

2.  Then  can  we  say,  each  one,  "  Christ  liveth 

in  me."  Gal.  ii.  20. 


338  SERMON   PLANS 


169.     PATIENCE. 

"  Thou  art  a  Samaritan  and  hast  a  devil."    Jn.  viii.  48. 

i.  Such  insults  as  these  words  imply  Our  Lord  bears 

in  patience, 
ii.  He  teaches  us  by  example  how  to  act  under  like 

circumstances, 
iii.  Consider  the  virtue  of  Patience,  so  necessary  to  all. 

Patience : 

i.  The  virtue  which 

a.  Tempers  sorrow  amid  present  evils. 

b.  Bears  calmly  the  trials  of  life. 

ii.  The  object  of  Patience :  crosses  of  all  kinds,  e.g. 

a.  Sadness  and  weariness  of  mind. 

b.  Sickness  and  pain  of  body. 

c.  Humiliations  and  insults. 

d.  Loss  of  wealth  and  position. 

e.  Difficulties  of  daily  duties. 
/.  Enmities  and  opposition. 

"  Man    born    of    a    woman  ...  is   filled    with    many 
miseries."    Job  xiv.  i. 

iii.  Two  degrees  of  Patience  : 

a.  Resignation  in  trial : 

1.  By  which  we  accept  crosses,  as  from  the 

hand  of  God. 

2.  Which    excludes    murmurs,   but   not   the 

wish  to  be  relieved. 

3.  This  much,  necessary  for  the  Christian  life. 

b.  Joy  in  trial : 

1.  To    receive    crosses   gladly,   as   treasures 

from  God. 

The  Apostles,  before  the  Council :  Acts 
v.4i. 

2.  This  higher  degree,  the  aim  of  the  Saints. 

"  To  suffer,  or    to    die,"    the    motto    of 
S.  Teresa. 

3.  For  the  honour  of  God,  acquiesce  in  His 

will  herein. 
You  cannot  serve  Him  better  otherwise. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  339 


Motives  for  Patience : 

i.  Its  necessity  :  for  who  can  escape  trial  ? 

a.  Only  by  tribulation    can    we    enter   Heaven : 

Acts  xiv.  21. 

b.  The  very  Pagans  advised  patience,  as  allevia- 

tion in  woe. 
ii.  Its  excellence  and  utility : 

a.  Christ  chose  the  Cross  as  most  useful  to  man. 

b.  Trials  borne  patiently  serve  to  heal  evil  inclina- 

tions. 

c.  They  help  to  shorten  Purgatory. 

d.  They  strengthen  virtue. 

As  the  storm  does  the  oak. 
iii.  The  joy  it  brings : 

"Your  sorrow  shall  be  turned  into  joy."    Jn.  xvi.  2O. 

S.  Paul,  amid  his  tribulations :  2  Cor.  vii.  4. 
S.  Lawrence,  on  the  gridiron  :  Aug.  10. 
iv.  The  great  merit  and  reward  it  obtains  :  2  Cor.  iv.  1 7. 

Practice  of  Patience :  obtained  by 

i.  Prayer  to  God. 

ii.  Bearing  of  daily  small  contradictions, 
iii.  Studying  the  examples  of 

a.  Our  Lord :  Hebr.  xii.  3.* 

b.  The  Saints. f 

iv.  Remembering  our  sins  in  the  past  and  the  punish- 
ment due  to  them. 


*  Recall  the  Patience  of  Our  Saviour  in  the  various  incidents  of 
His  Passion,  which  we  are  now  commemorating,  for  instance  :  His 
betrayal  and  the  Agony  in  the  Garden ;  the  blow  on  the  Face  ;  the 
insults  of  the  crowd  ;  His  Crucifixion  and  Death. 

t  Job,  the  model  of  Patience — S.  Teresa,  the  lover  of  the  Cross, 
cast  her  eyes  on  her  sins,  on  Heaven  and  on  Calvary — S.  Clare,  for 
twenty  years  afflicted  with  illness,  declared  no  pain  bitter  to  her,  when 
she  remembered  her  Lord's  sufferings — So  too  S.  Lydwina,  for  thirty- 
eight  years  on  a  bed  of  sickness. 


340  SERMON  PLANS 


170.     MEEKNESS. 

"  Now  we  know  that  Thou  hast  a  devil."    Jn.  viii.  52. 
i.  The  insults  of  this  Gospel  narrative  show  forth  Our 

Lord's  meekness. 

ii.  He  proves  it  by  His  forbearance  of  His  enemies. 
iii.  Study  this  beautiful  virtue,  so  prominent  throughout 
the  Passion. 

a.  Meekness,    pre-eminently     a     virtue    of     the 

Christian. 

b.  Hence  Christ  speaks  of  His  followers  as  sheep 

or  lambs. 

Meekness : 

i.  Virtue  moderating  our  feelings  of  impatience  and 
revenge. 

a.  All  anger  is  not  sinful :  Ps.  iv.  5.     Yet, 

b.  Because  of    our  proneness   to  evil,   it   easily 

becomes  so. 

c.  Meekness  is    thus    necessary   to    restrain    all 

passion, 
ii.  Most  amiable  virtue,  disarming  an  opponent's  anger. 

The  cannon  ball.* 
iii.  Mark  of  a  true  disciple  of  Christ. 

"  Learn  of  Me,  because  I  am  meek."     Mth.  xi.  29. 
iv.  Quite    consistent   with    firmness    and    exercise    of 

authority. 

Our  Lord  and  the  Pharisees:  Mth.  xxii.  18. 
His  driving  the  sellers  from  the  Temple :  Lke.  xi  x.  45. 
Moses,  when  the  people  fell  into  idolatry :  Deut. 
ix.  17. 

Motives  for  Meekness : 

i.  Its  very  necessity,  especially  in  superiors, 
ii.  Men  given  to  anger  are  not 

a.  Rational  beings,  not  following  the  guidance  of 
reason. 


THE  GOSPELS  34! 


b.  Christians,  not  imitating  the  gentleness  of  their 

Head. 

c.  Spiritual    men,   not    possessing   the    spirit   of 

prayer. 
iii.  Shown  in  Holy  Writ  : 

"Blessed   are  the  meek,  for  they  shall   possess  the  Land." 

Mth.  v.  4. 
"  The  Lord  lifteth  up  the  meek."     Ps.  cxlvi.  6. 

iv.  Meekness  conquers  the  anger  of  others. 

"A  mild  answer  breaketh  wrath."     Prov.  xv.  I. 
"What  water  is  to  fire,  meekness  is  to  anger."     S.  Chrys. 

v.  The  effects  in  one's  self  : 

a.  Peace  of  mind. 

b.  Influence  over  others. 

The  Sun  and  the  Wind.f 
S.  Francis  of  Sales  converted  more   by  his 
humility  than  by  his  preaching. 

c.  Success  in  undertakings. 

vi.  See  the  evils  of  Anger,  e.g.  :  (p.  120.) 

Scandal,  enmities,  obstinacy,  revenge,  ill-health,  etc. 

Practice  of  Meekness  : 
i.  Obtained  by 

a.  Prayer  to  God  for  humility  :  Mth.  xi.  29. 

b.  Foreseeing  occasions  of  opposition. 

c.  Study  of  Our  Lord,  His  Saints  and  Martyrs. 

d.  Recollection  of  our  own  sins  and  defects. 
ii.  To  be  exercised 

a.  Towards  all  men,  and  in  all  circumstances. 

Especially  when  giving  or  receiving  reproof. 

b.  In  the  heart,  in  our  looks,  words  and  acts. 


*  A  cannon  ball  will  crush  a  rock  or  any  hard  body  it  falls  on  ;  but 
if  it  strike  a  woolpack,  its  speed  and  violence  are  stayed.  So,  if 
reproaches  and  anger  meet  with  meekness  of  heart  and  gentleness  of 
reply,  they  give  way  and  lose  all  power. — Scaramelli. 

t  The  Wind  with  much  bluster  and  fury  tried  to  make  a  traveller 
remove  his  cloak ;  but  he  only  drew  it  round  him  the  more  closely. 
Then  the  Sun  began  gently  and  quietly  to  give  forth  his  heat,  when  the 
traveller,  quite  overcome,  at  once  removed  his  cloak.  Meekness  and 
persuasion  are  better  than  anger  and  force  ! — sEsop. 


342  SERMON  PLANS 


171.     OUR   LORD'S  SADNESS. 

"  He  began  to  grow  sorrowful  and  to  be  sad."     Mth.  xxvi.  37. 

i.  This  Great  Week  commemorates  Our  Lord's  sufferings 

and  sadness, 
ii.  Meditation  on  these  very  salutary. 

The  Saints  have  ever  loved  to  dwell  on  the  Sacred 
Passion. 

Causes  of  His  Sadness : 

i.  His  coming  Passion  and  Death. 

a.  He  foresaw  His  torments  and  sufferings :  t.g. 

The  Scourging,  the  Crown,  the  Crucifixion. 

b.  So  intense  His  perception  of   them,  that   He 

sweated  blood. 
Expiating   thereby   man's   love   of   pleasure, 

feasting,  etc. 
ii.  The  sight  of  the  sins  of  men. 

a.  He  realized  their  gravity,  and  the  insults  they 

offered  to  God. 

b.  He  took  upon  Himself  to  expiate  them. 

c.  He  felt  anguish  for  them,  as  if  His  own ! 

Our  blasphemies  and  sacrileges,  murders  and 

thefts,  etc. 
iii.  The  foresight  of  the  sufferings  of  His  followers: 

a.  His  Martyrs,  in  their  torments  and  death. 

b.  His  Confessors,  in  persecution  and  calumny. 

c.  His  Virgins,  in  preserving  their  virtue. 

d.  His  Prelates  and  Priests,  in  guiding  their  flocks. 

e.  His  Faithful,  from  the  Devil,  the  World   and 

the  Flesh, 
iv.  The  future  ingratitude  of  men  : 

a.  How  few  would  profit  by  His  sufferings. 

b.  How  few  would  in  the  end  be  saved. 

c.  How  sin  and  crime  would  abound. 

d.  How  many,  in  spite  of  all,  would  be  lost. 
v.  The  sorrows  of  His  Virgin  Mother. 

a.  Especially  at  the  foot  of  His  Cross. 

b.  She  was  pierced  to  the  heart,  and  this  intensified 

His  anguish. 

c.  He  sorrowed,  to  see  His  Mother  suffer  for  Him. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  343 


Objects  of  this  Sadness : 

i.  To  heal  our  sloth  and  cowardice  in  trial.    Hence : 

a.  In  sorrow  and  pain,  remember  the  agony  of 

Christ. 

b.  In  temptation  and  trial,  look  up  to  Him, 

"  Who  having  joy  set  before  Him  endured  the  Cross." 
Hebr.  xii.  2. 

ii.  To  lessen  our  horror  and  fear  of  Death. 

a.  Death  is  not  natural  to  man.     But 

b.  It  was  imposed  in  punishment  of  the  Trans- 

gression. 
Hence  we  naturally  shrink  from  it. 

c.  Christ  by  His  sorrows  and  death  has  lessened 

this  repugnance. 

d.  He  has  even  made  it  a  source  of  comfort,  in 

the  hope  of  a  better  life. 

The  Martyrs  therefore  rejoiced  in  suffering 
and  death. 

Lessons : 

i.  Think  this  week  on  the  sufferings  and  sadness  of 

Christ. 

A  powerful  means  to  lighten  your  own.* 
ii.  Meditate  seriously  on  their  cause — the  greatness  of 

sin. 
An  efficacious  means  of  obtaining  contrition  and 

pardon, 
iii.  Resolve  now  on  a  more  perfect  life  in  future. 

The  graces  of  the  Passion  will  strengthen  your 
resolve. f 


*  As  the  bitter  waters  became  sweet,  when  Moses  had  cast  into 
them  the  wood  the  Lord  had  shown  him  (Ex.  xv.  25),  so  the  wood  of 
the  Cross,  put  into  our  sufferings,  will  render  them  sweet  and  light  to 
bear. — Lohner. 

t  Our  Lord  appearing  to  S.  Edmund,  while  yet  a  child,  urged  him 
to  think  daily  on  some  one  of  the  sorrows  of  the  Passion,  for  such 
practice  would  bring  courage  in  temptation,  strength  for  virtue,  and 
powerful  help  in  the  hour  of  death. — Surius. 


344  SERMON  PLANS 


172.     RESIGNATION. 

"  Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou  wilt."     Mth.  xxvi.  39. 

i.  The  great  remedy  in  the  midst  of  trials  is  prayer 

and  resignation, 
ii.  Under  every  cross  therefore,  we  must  have  recourse 

to  God. 
Either  that  He  would    remove    it,  or    give  us 

strength  to  bear  it. 

iii.  Our   Lord    in    His  Agony   teaches    the    spirit  of 
resignation. 

Resignation : 

i.  An  act  of  love,  by  which  man  submits  his  will  to 

God. 
ii.  Praised  and  recommended  in  the  inspired  Word. 

"If  we  have  received  good  things  .  .  .  why  should  we  not 

receive  evil  ?"    Job  ii.  10. 

"  It  is  good  for  me  to  adhere  to  my  God."     Ps.  Ixxii.  28. 
"  He  that  doth  the  will  of  My  Father  ...  he  shall  enter 

.  .  .  Heaven."     Mth.  vii.  21. 
"  He  that  doth  the  will  of  God  abideth  for  ever."    I  Jn.  ii.  17. 

iii.  Motives: 

a.  Necessity  : 

God's  authority  and  power  is  supreme  and 
none  can  resist :  Esth.  xiii.  9. 

b.  Equity: 

1.  God  is  just,  and  His  judgments  right. 

2.  He  is  powerful,  and  His  will  must  be  done. 

Is.  xlvi.  10. 

3.  He  is  good,  and  ordains  all  for  the  best. 

c.  A  dvantages  : 

1.  It  is  a  powerful  shield  in  adversity. 

2.  The  best  disposition  of  heart  for  obtaining 

God's  favours. 

3.  It  more  than  anything  brings  peace  and 

happiness. 
Words  of  the  Imitation.* 


THE  GOSPELS  345 


iv.  Means : 

a.  Lively  Faith  : 

1 .  Knowing  that  nothing  happens,  but  through 

the  Providence  of  God. 

2.  Looking  to  our  Creator  and  Father  in  all 

things. 
The  Sunflower.f 

b.  Burning  Chanty. 

1.  The  effect  of  true  love  is  to  unite  them 

that  love. 

2.  There  cannot  be  physical  union  with  God, 

but  moral  union,  through  submission  of 
our  will. 

c.  Mortification,  removing  obstacles  that  selfishness 

puts  in  the  way. 

d.  Consideration  of  examples  of  God's  Providence : 

e.g. 

The  elevation  of  Joseph :  Gen.  1.  20. 
The  safety  of    the  children  in  the  furnace : 

Dan.  iii. 
Also  of  'Daniel  among  the  lions :  Dan.  vi. 

e.  Obedience  to  Superiors : 

Thus  is  the  will  broken  in,  and  practised  to 

submission. 
/.  Examples  among  the  Saints. 

S.  Paul's  readiness :  Acts  ix.  6. 

S.  Lydwina,  on  her  bed  of  sickness:  Apl.  14. 

S.Vincent,  under  calumny:  July  19. 

Lessons : 

i.  Every  reason  urges  us  to  practise  resignation. 

ii.  Say  daily  from  the  heart :  "  Thy  will  be  done." 
iii.  Consider  this  week  Our  Lord's  prayer  in  the  Garden. 
iv.  The  practice  of  this  virtue  is  enough  to  make  us 
saints. 


*  I  have  very  often  said  to  thee,  and  I  say  it  now  again  :  forsake 
thyself,  resign  thyself,  and  thou  shall  enjoy  great  peace  within  :  thou 
wilt  be  free  in  heart,  and  darkness  will  not  tread  thee  down. — 
I  mi  I  at  ion. 

t  As  the  sunflower  turns  to  the  sun,  even  though  the  sky  be 
clouded  and  overcast,  so  the  man  truly  resigned  submits  to  God  in  all 
things,  even  in  the  darkest  adversity. — Drexelius. 


346  SERMON  PLANS 


173.     THE    PASSION. 

"  It  is  consummated."    Jn.  xix.  30. 

i.  Our  Lord  to-day  completes  His  work  of  sacrifice  : 

a.  Emptying  Himself  of   glory,  power  and  even 

life  itself. 

b.  What  more  could  He  do  for  His  vineyard,  His 

people  ?  Is.  v.  4. 

ii.  Consider  the  completeness  of  Our  Lord's  sufferings 
and  love. 

Sufferings  from  Friends: 

i.  Betrayed  by  one  Apostle  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver : 

Mth.  xxvi.  15. 

ii.  Denied  by  another,  three  times  over :  Mth.  xxvi.  70. 
iii.  Abandoned  by  the  rest :  Mth.  xxvi.  56. 
iv.  Rejected  by  His  own  people :  Mth.  xxvii.  21. 

These,  among  the  bitterest  of  His  trials! 
v.  Do  not  we  also  reject  Him,  and  pain  Him  by  our 
ingratitude  ?  e.g. 

a.  By  wilful  neglect  of  Sunday  Mass  ? 

b.  By  careless  omission  of  Easter  Communion  ? 

c.  By  disobedience  to  any  of  His  Laws  ? 

vi.  Behold,  to-day  a  suitable  time  for  repentance  and 

resolution ! 

If  we  be  followers  and  friends  of  Christ,  let  us 
make  Him  amends. 

Sufferings  from  Enemies: 

i.  His  condemnation  to  death  :  Mth.  xxvii.  26. 
ii.  His  Scourging  at  the  pillar:  Ibid. 
iii.  His  Crowning  with  thorns:  Ibid.  29. 
iv.  His  Crucifixion  and  Death  :  Ibid.  35. 

The  chief  object  of  this  day's  veneration. 

a.  Between  two  thieves,  as  a  disgrace. 

b.  His  back  on  Jerusalem,  which  He  now  rejects. 

c.  The  three  hours'  agony  and  grief. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  347 

d.  The  seven  Words  He  spoke  on  the  Cross. 

e.  The  Wonders  that  followed  His  death :   Mth. 

xxvii.  51 — 53. 
v.  Worthy  subject  for  meditation  and  deepest  thought 

to-day. 
Christ  suffered  of  His  own  Free-will : 

i.  The  Jews  had  often  tried  to  seize  Him  before :  e.g. 

Jn.  vii.  30. 

They  did  not  succeed,  for  His  time  was  not  yet. 
ii.  Now  He  freely  offers  His  limbs  to  the  executioners. 
No  angel  stays  their  hand,  as  with  His  prototype : 

Gen.  xxii.  12. 
iii.  He  still  offers  Himself  freely  on  the  Altar  : 

Too  often  suffering  again  from  friend  and  foe. 
iv.   We  may  make  a  free  offering  to  God : 

a.  By  resignation  to  His  divine  will  in  all  things. 

b.  By  the  practice  of  penance  and  self-denial. 

c.  By  submitting  to  insult  and  opposition. 

Thoughts  for  this  day: 

i.  Good  Friday,  a  day  for  meditation  and   penance, 

(not  pleasure-seeking). 

ii.  Apprehend  the  reality  of  Our  Lord's  sufferings  :  e.g. 
The  real  hardships  of  Bethlehem  and  Nazareth. 
The  real  physical  pains  of  His  Passion  and  Death, 
iii.  The  Cross    is  the   source  of    spiritual   health   and 

strength. 
Typified  by  the  Brazen    Serpent  in  the  desert : 

Numb.  xxi.  9. 
iv.  The  Saints    therein  found    sweetness  in  trial  and 

death :  e.g. 

S.  Lydwina,  in  her  sufferings  :  Apl.  14. 
S.  Lawrence,  on  the  gridiron  :  Aug.  10. 
S.Vincent,  under  calumny:  Jly.  19. 
The  Confessors  and  Martyrs. 

v.  To-day   the    day   for    pardon    and   forgiveness   of 
injuries. 

"Father,  forgive  them."     Lke.  xxiii.  34. 


348  SERMON  PLANS 


174.     LESSONS    FROM   THE   DEATH   OF 
CHRIST. 

"  Bowing  His  head,  He  gave  up  the  Ghost."    Jn.  xix.  30. 
Learn  four  lessons  to-day  from  Our  Lord's  Death : 

I.  Jesus  died  :  who  shall  fear  death  ? 

i.  Death  was  not  intended  for  man,  but  is  a  punish- 
ment:  Wisd.  ii.  23:  Gen.  ii.  17. 

a.  Hence  our  horror  and  fear  of  it. 

b.  Even    Our    Lord    experienced    such    feeling: 

Mth.  xxvi.  39. 

ii.  Our  Lord  died,  and  took  the  sting  from  death, 
iii.  He  came  not  only  to  redeem  us,  but  also  by  example 

to  teach  us. 
iv.  Some  have  great  fear  of  Death. 

a.  In  life,  such  fear  is  good  and  commendable: 

Job  xxviii.  28. 
It  guards  us  against  inconstancy  and  pride. 

b.  In  death,  we  must  have  confidence  in   God's 

mercy.     For, 
v.  Consider  how  Our  Lord  died  for  our  sakes. 

a.  It    will    encourage    resignation    to    death,    in 

ourselves  and  others. 

b.  Death    is    less   terrible,  since   He   suffered    it. 

Hence, 
vi.  Since  Jesus  has  died,  who  need  fear  death  ? 

II.  Jesus  died  for  us:  who  will  not  die  for  Him? 

i.  We  may  not  be  called  upon  to  die  like  the  Martyrs. 

Yet, 

ii.  If  we  are  so  called,  or  have  to  die  for  duty,  why  not 
die  for  Him  ?  since 

a.  He  died  on  Calvary  all  for  us. 

b.  Confirmation  gives  strength  for  such  a  trial. 

Hence  the  need  of  receiving  this  Sacrament, 
iii.  In  any  case,  we  shall  have  to  die  some  day. 

Let  us  then  be  willing  to  go,  when  He  calls, 
iv.  Our  Lord's  death,  the  source  of  the  spirit  of  sacrifice 

in  the  Saints. 

a.  They  renounced  the  things  of  life  and  life  itself 
for  Him. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  349 

b.  They  renounced  all,  with  eagerness  and  joy. 

c.  Be  it  ours  to  emulate  their  example.     For, 

v.  Jesus  died  for  us :  who  then  will  not  die  for  Him  ? 

III.  Jesus  died   in  pain:    who  will  refuse  to  suffer? 

i.  If  we  are  not  called  upon  to  die  as  Martyrs,  all  at 

least  must  suffer.     For, 
ii.  Suffering  is  the  lot  of  all  men,  since  the  fall : 

In  every  condition :  all  through  life :  But, 
iii.  Our  sufferings  are  as  nothing,  compared  with  Our 

Lord's. 
iv.  Suffering  may  become  even  a  blessing :  for, 

a.  As  water  cleanses  in  Baptism, 

b.  So  penance  and  suffering  purify  the  penitent. 

c.  And  from  it  we  may  draw  merit  and  glory, 

As  the  bee  makes  honey  from  the  bitter  thyme, 
v.  As  disciples  of  Our  Lord,  we  must  suffer,  if  we  hope 

for  Heaven  :  Lke.  ix.  23  :  Mth.  x.  24. 
vi.  Jesus  died  in  agony  :  who  will  now  refuse  to  suffer  ? 

IV.  Jesus  died  for  sin  :  who  will  sin  again  ? 
i.  Way  did  Our  Lord  suffer  so  much  ? 

a.  It  was  for  the  sins  of  men — yours  and  mine. 

b.  To   make  reparation  for  them,  and  regain  us 

God's  love, 
ii.  Picture  to  your  mind  the  state  Jesus  was  reduced  to 

in  death. 

Then  learn  how  terrible  sin  must  be  before  Him. 
iii.  Nothing  so  helps  to  contrition,  as  thought  on  the 

Passion  of  Jesus, 
iv.  Hence  on  this  day  of  all  days,  resolve  against  sin  in 

future.     For, 
v.  Jesus  died  for  sin :  who  then  can  sin  again  ? 

Conclusion : 

i.  These  four  thoughts,  so  many  practical  lessons  to  all. 
ii.  If  we  take  them  to  heart,  the  day  will  have  been  well 

spent. 

iii.  Meditation  on  the  Sacred  Passion  and  its  benefits  to 
men,  is  most  pleasing  to  Him  who  endured  it  for 
their  sakes.  Rodriguez. 


350  SERMON  PLANS 


175.     THE   RESURRECTION. 
"  He  is  risen,  He  is  not  here."     Mrk.  xvi.  6. 

i.  This  day's  mystery,  the  foundation  of  our  Religion, 
ii.  State  the  doctrine  thus : 

a.  Jesus  Christ  is  truly  God,  if  truly  risen. 

b.  He  is  risen,  if  the  Apostles  were  not  deceived, 

nor  deceivers. 

c.  They  were  neither :  therefore, 

I.  The  Apostles  not  deceived: 

i.  The  Resurrection  was  a  fact  falling  under  the  senses, 
ii.  During  40  days  afterwards,  Our  Lord  often  conversed 

with  the  Apostles. 

iii.  At  first,  they  refused  to  believe :  e.g.  S.  Thomas, 
iv.  Only  on  clear  proof,  did  they  give  assent ;  and, 
v.  At  last  were  so  convinced,  as  to  preach  it  and  die 

for  it. 
Thus  the  Apostles  were  not  deceived. 

II.  The  Apostles  not  deceivers: 

i.  They  had  no  interest  in  deceiving,  but  all  to  fear : 

a.  From    God :    punishment    of    imposture    and 

impiety. 

b.  From  man  :  contempt  and  persecution, 
ii.  They  had  no  means  to  deceive : 

a.  They  were  timid  during  the  Passion,  and  not 

bold  now. 

b.  The  world  would  never  believe  such  an  impos- 

ture: 
They  had  no  proof  to  offer  in  its  favour. 

c.  Yet  the  world  does  believe  the  Resurrection  :  and 

d.  The    Resurrection    has    converted   the   world, 

despite  its  passions. 
Thus  the  Apostles  have  not  deceived  us. 

HI.  Further  Evidence: 

i.  The  Priests  bribing  the  soldiers:  Mth.  xxviii.  12,  13. 
a.  Never  known  that  a  whole  guard  should  sleep, 
risking  honour  and  life  for  so  doing. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  351 

b.  If  even  they  did,  who  could  quietly  remove  the 

great  stone  ? 

c.  If  they  slept,  how  could  they  know  the  Body 

was  stolen  ? 

d.  If  stolen,  by  whom  stolen  ?     By  the  disciples  ? 

1.  If  they  expected   the   Resurrection,  they 

might  well  leave  Our  Lord  to  accom- 
plish it. 

2.  If  not,  they  had  no  interest  to  steal  and 

deceive  (supra). 
ii.  The  Jewish  Council  did  not  deny  the  Resurrection, 

but  forbade  the  Apostles  to  proclaim  it :  Acts  iv. 

1 6,  17. 
iii.  The  apparitions  of  Our  Lord  : 

a.  To  His  holy  Mother. 

According  to  tradition,  though  not  recorded 
in  the  Gospel. 

b.  To    Magdalen   and   the    holy   Women :    Mth. 

xxviii.  9. 

c.  To  the  Apostles :  e.g. 

Mth.  xxviii.  18:  Jn.  xx.  19:  Jn.  xxi.  i. 

d.  To  the  disciples  going  to  Emmaus:  Lke.xxiv.i5. 
iv.  The  constant  tradition  and  teaching  of  the  Church. 

IV.  Type  and  Figures : 

i.  Jonas,  B.C.  800,  in  the  whale's  belly:  Jon.  ii.  i. 

ii.  Spring  follows  winter,  and  all  things  revive, 

iii.  Day  succeeds  night, 

iv.  The  root,  dormant  in  winter,  revives  in  spring. 

Lessons : 

i.  Everyone  must  know  and  believe  the  Resurrection 
of  Christ : 

It  is  the  very  foundation  of  Religion  ;  for, 
ii.  If  He  be  truly  risen,  He  is  God,  and  His  Teaching 
divine. 

We  must  therefore  believe  .  .  .  and  obey.  .  .  . 
iii.  Our  Lord's  Resurrection,  a  pledge  of  our  own. 
iv.  The    hope   of    future    Resurrection,   strength    and 

support  in  trial, 
v.  Truly  then  is  this  a  day  of  gladness  and  joy. 

x 


33a  SERMON  PLANS 


176.     JOY   OF  THE   RESURRECTION. 

"Go.  tell  His  disciples  and  Peter."     Mrk.  xvi.  7. 

i.  Feelings  of  wonder  and  joy  when  the  Resurrection 

was  first  announced, 
ii.  To  us  there  seems  an  abruptness  from  Good  Friday 

to  to-day. 
Yet  during   Lent  we  prepared   for  this  joy,  and 

have  a  right  to  it. 
iii.  Two  points  we  may  consider,  viz. : 

a.  The  Fact,  as  it  was. 

b.  The  Commemoration,  as  it  is  now. 

I.  The  first  Easter-day,  a  source  of  joy  to 

i.  The  Eternal  Father  : 

a.  In  justice,   He   had    required   the   sacrifice  of 

His  Son  on  Calvary. 

b.  What  gladness  now  to  reward  Him  ! 

c.  He  welcomes  Him  back  to  life  with  joy. 

d.  In  the  beginning,  He  said:  "This  day  have  I 

begotten  Thee."     Ps.  ii.  7. 

e.  To-day  He  can  add:  "  I  crown  Thee  with  glory." 
ii.  The  Holy  Ghost : 

a.  Bond  of  union  between  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

b.  Also  between  the  soul  in  grace  and  God. 

c.  He  too  rejoices  on  reunion  of  soul  and  body 

this  day. 

As  He  presided  over  it,  in  the  Incarnation, 
iii.  The  Son  Himself: 

a.  He  had  well  earned  His  glory  by  suffering. 

b.  No    proportion    between    present   sorrow   and 

future  joy:  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 
How  great  then  Our  Saviour's  joy  and  glory. 

c .  How  changed  for  Him  everything  now  is ! 

1.  No  more  suffering  or  death. 

2.  Instead   of   the   sadness   of    the    Passion, 

triumphant  jubilation. 

3.  Where   now   are    Herod   and    Pilate,   the 

Scribes  and  Priests ! 

d.  Could  any  victory  and  joy  be  more  complete ! 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  353 

iv.  The  Blessed  Virgin  Mother : 

a.  Consider  her  loyal  and  constant  attendance  on 

her  Son. 

b.  Our  Lord's  first  visit  was  to  her,  though  the 

Gospels  say  it  not. 

c.  What  a  change !     From  the  foot  of  the  Cross 

to  see  Jesus  by  her !     Cant.  iii.  4. 

d.  The  Church  expresses  her  sympathy  of  joy  in 

the  Regina  Cceli. 
v.  The  Apostles : 

a.  Perhaps   we    condemn    their    timidity   in   the 

Passion. 

Yet  Our  Lord  does  not,  but  allows  them  to 
share  His  joy. 

b.  They  were  to  go  and  preach  this  mystery  with 

power :  Acts  iv.  33. 

Therefore  it  had  now  to  give  them  strength 
in  gladness. 

c.  Though   they   abandoned    their    Master,   they 

ceased  not  to  love. 

Hence  they  too  were  filled  with  the  joy  of 
the  Resurrection. 

II.  Easter-day  now  should  give  joy  to 

i.  The  whole  Church : 

a.  See  the  depth  of  her  sorrow,  two  days  ago ! 

b.  In  that  proportion  is  her  joy  this  day  :  2  Cor.  i.  7. 

c.  She  rejoices  for  the  sake  of  her  glorified  Saviour. 

d.  Also  because  His  rising  is  a  pledge  of  her  own 

victory. 

e.  And  because  of  the  return  of  many  to  God,  in 

the  sacraments. 

Hence  her  Alleluias  at  this  season, 
ii.  The  Faithful  individually  : 

a.  According  to  their  ability,  they  have  observed 

Lent.     Therefore, 

b.  Each  may  now  rejoice  with  his  Saviour. 

c.  But  only  to  the  obedient  is  this  a  day  of  joy. 

As  only  to  the  good  did  Our  Lord  appear. 

d.  Penitents  especially  may  rejoice,  rising  from  sin. 

e.  All  may  be  glad  with  good  resolutions  and  hope. 


354  SERMON  PLANS 


177.     THE  OBSERVANCE  OF  SUNDAY. 
"The  first  day  of  the  week."    Jn.  xx.  19. 

i.  Behold  a  first  sanction  of  the  Sunday  in  the  New 

Law. 
ii.  In  the  Old  Law,  the  sanctification  of  the  Sabbath 

was  commanded :  Ex.  xx.  8. 
iii.  In  the  New  Law,  the  Sunday  is  of  no  less  importance. 

Sunday : 

i.  The  change  from  the  Sabbath  effected  by  the  Apostles : 

a.  The  work  of  Creation  began  on  Sunday. 

b.  Our  Lord  rose  from  the  dead  on  a  Sunday:  Mth. 

xxviii.  i. 

c.  The  Apostles  received  the  powers  of  absolution 

that  day:  Jn.  xx.  23. 

d.  The  Holy  Ghost  came  down  upon  them  on  a 

Sunday, 
ii.  The  Bible  does  not  teach  this  observance  of  the 

Sunday. 

The  Bible  therefore  is  not  a  sole  rule  of  faith, 
iii.  As  sacred  now,  as  was  the  Sabbath  of  old. 

Sanctification  of  Sunday: 

i.  Principles  underlying  this  question. 

a.  The  whole  of  our  time  belongs  to  God.     For, 

"Thine  is  the  day,  and  Thine  is  the  night."     Ps. 
Ixxiii.  16. 

He  might  therefore  claim  it  all  for  Himself 
exclusively. 

b.  The  voice  of  nature  bids  us  devote  some  of  our 

time  to  God. 
All  nations  have  observed  days  for  sacred  rites. 

c.  Our  only  real  work  is  the  salvation  of  our  souls. 

To  it  therefore  we  must  give  time,  as  to  sleep, 
etc. 

d.  We  must  honour  God  by  befitting  service. 

Hence  the  public  observance  of  times  given 
to  God. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  355 


e.  God  expressly  determines  what  time  He  requires 

of  us. 

Lest  through  worldly  cares,  etc.  we  forget  it. 
/.  Though  the  particular  day  be  changed,  from  the 
Sabbath  to  the  Sunday,  the  principle  remains 
— one  day  in  seven, 
ii.  Means  of  sanctifying  the  Sunday : 

a.  As  of  obligation : 

1.  Hearing  Mass. 

2.  Resting  from  servile  works. 

b.  As  of  counsel : 

1.  Attending  other  Church  services. 

2.  Hearing  instruction. 

3.  Spiritual  reading. 

c.  Honest  recreation,  within  limits,  not  forbidden, 
iii.  Neglect  of  this  sanctification  a  great  evil : 

a.  A  grievous  sin  of  disobedience  to  God  and  His 

Church. 

b.  The  sin  of  scandal  and  bad  example. 

c.  A  sort  of  sacrilege  even,  (desecration):  Numb. 

xv.  35. 

d.  An  injustice — robbing  God  of  His  glory. 

e.  Many  evils  flow  from  such  neglect : 

1.  Spiritual :  indifference,  tepidity,  loss  of  faith, 

etc. 

2.  Temporal :  for  God  will  not  bless  it. 

Lessons : 

i.  Reflect  seriously  on  this  important  matter. 

Less  and  less  thought  of,  as  time  goes  on ! 
ii.  Observe  religiously  the  Sunday  obligation. 

God's  blessings  will  rest  upon  it. 
iii.  See  to  children  doing  so : 

a.  The  good  habit  early  acquired  will  remain. 

b.  Neglect  in  early  years,  a  fatal  omission. 

iv.  Sunday  is  a  social  benefit,  as  well   as  a  spiritual 

blessing, 
v.  If  this  law  of  God  be  duly  observed,  all  His  other 

laws  will  also  be.     While,  if  this  be  despised,  so 

will  they  be. 


356  SERMON  PLANS 


178.     QUALITIES  OF   RISEN    BODIES. 

"He  showed  them  His  hands  and  His  side."   Jn.  xx.  20. 

i.  Our  Lord  preserved  His  wounds  after  the  Resurrec- 
tion. 

a.  As  proofs  that  His  body  was  real,  and  truly 

risen. 

b.  As  trophies  of  His  victory  over  death  and  His 

enemies. 

c.  To  excite  confidence  in  us,  as  they  plead  with 

the  Father. 

d.  As  arguments  against  the  wicked,  for  their  abuse 

of  grace. 

ii.  We  may  consider  here  the  quality  of  Risen  Bodies : 
Very  different,  as  seen  in  the  Wicked  or  the  Just : 

I.  In  the  Wicked : 

i.  Possibility  : 

"These  shall  go  into  everlasting  punishment."  Mth.. \xv.46. 
The  senses  exquisitely  capable  of  every  form  of 

pain, 
ii.  Incorruptibility  : 

"They  shall  desire  to  die,  but  death  shall  fly  from  them." 
Ap.  ix.  6. 

Continued  existence,  with  all  the  pains  of  corrup- 
tion, yet  without  the  reality, 
iii.  Deformity  the  most  horrible. 

Showing  in  the  body  the  abomination  of  the  soul 
in  sin. 

II.  In  the  Just: 

i.  Impassibility : 

a.  Incapability  of  feeling  any  pain  or  suffering. 

"Death  shall  be  no  more,  nor  mourning,  nor  sorrow." 

Ap.  xxi.  4. 
"  It  is  sown  in  corruption  :  it  shall  rise  in  interruption." 

i  Cor.  xv.  42. 

b.  Yet  retaining  the  perfection  of  the  senses  for 

joy. 
Except  perhaps  the  sense  of  taste. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  357 


ii.  Subtlety : 

a.  The  body  sharing  the  spiritual  existence  of  the 

soul. 

"  It  is  sown  a  natural  body :  it  shall  rise  a  spiritual  body." 
I  Cor.  xv.  44. 

b.  Able   to   penetrate  other  bodies,  as  light  and 

heat  do. 
Our  Lord  entering  the  room,  the  doors  being 

closed:  Jn.  xx.  19. 
iii.  Agility  : 

a.  Power  of  rapid  motion  with  the  soul. 

"The  just  shall  run  to  and  fro,  like  sparks  among  the 

reeds."     Wis.  iii.  7. 
"  It   is   sown    in   weakness :    it    shall    rise   in    power." 

I  Cor.  xv.  43. 

b.  Like  the  electric  spark  along  the  wire. 

As  Our  Lord  appeared  from  place  to  place, 
iv.  Brightness  : 

a.  Externally  shining  as  the  stars,  from  the  over- 

flowing splendour  of  the  soul. 
Like  diamonds  in  the  sun,  or  iron  heated  in 
the  fire. 

"The  just  shall  shine  as  the  sun."     Mth.  xiii.  43- 
"It   is   sown    in   dishonour:    it   shall    rise    in    glory." 
I  Cor.  xv.  43. 

b.  In  different  degrees,  according  to  merit. 

"  Star  differeth  from  star  :  so  also  in  the  resurrection  of 
the  dead."     I  Cor.  xv.  41. 

c.  Yet    without    envy    or    jealousy    among     the 

Blessed. 
But  with  perfect  peace  and  harmony. 

Lessons : 

i.  Honour  the  body :  abuse  it  not  by  sin. 
ii.  The  Church  respects  the  bodies  of  the  dead. 

As  the  temples  of  God,  to  be  glorified  hereafter. 
iii.  Solemnity  of  funerals,  for  the  same  motive, 
iv.  Blessing  and  consecration  of  cemeteries  (dormitories). 
v.  Patience  in  suffering  and  death,  in  the  hope  of  the 

Resurrection  :  Job  xix.  25  :  2  Mach.  vii.  9. 
vi.  Take  comfort,  amid  sorrow  at  the  death  of  friends : 
i  Thess.  iv.  12, 


358  SERMOtf  PLANS 


179.     THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD. 

"  I  am  the  Good  Shepherd."    Jn.  x.  1 1. 

i.  Our  Lord  to-day  calls  Himself  the  Good  Shepherd. 
Name    inspiring    love,    and    showing  forth    His 

mercy, 
ii.  Consider  now, 

a.  How  He  shows  Himself  a  true  shepherd. 

b.  What  we  owe  to  Him  in  return. 

Our  Lord  a  good  shepherd : 

i.  He  has  the  qualities  of  a  good  shepherd  :  e.g. 

a.  He  is  the  Lord  and  owner  of  us  all. 

"  He  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves."     Ps.  xcix.  3. 

"  We  are  His  people  and  the  sheep  of  His  pasture."  Ibid. 

b.  He  has  infinite  power  and  wealth,  to  protect 

and  enrich  His  flock. 

c.  He  is  most  loving  and  ready  to  do  all  for  its 

welfare, 
ii.  He  fulfils  the  duties  of  a  good  shepherd  :  e.g. 

a.  He  knows  and  loves  each  of  us : 

He  appreciates  at  their  true  value  the  souls 
He  redeemed. 

b.  He  leads  us  by  His  example  along  the  thorny 

path  of  life. 

In  pastoral  countries  the  shepherd  precedes 
the  flock.* 

c.  He  guides  us  to  the  best  pasture-lands  :  e.g. 

1.  The  pure  doctrines  of  Revelation. 

2.  The  various  Sacraments ;  especially, 

3.  His  own   Body  and    Blood,  in  the  Holy 

Eucharist. 

d.  He  protects  us,  and  remains  ever  with  us,  by 

1.  The  angels  He  sends  to  guard  us. 

2.  The  ministers  of  His  Sanctuary. 

3.  His  owu  Rcul  Presence  oil  the  altar. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  359 

e.  He  defends  us  from  the  wolf  and  the  serpent : 

1.  Warning  us  against 

a.  Bad  books  and  evil  company. 
ft.  All  dangerous  occasions  of  sin. 

2.  Inspirations  to  appeal  for  help. 
/.He  seeks  the  straying  sheep :  by 

1.  The  advice  or  rebuke  of  authority,  though 

often  resented. 

2.  The  inspirations  of  His  grace. 

3.  Some  trial    or  other,  often  a   blessing  in 

disguise. 

iii.  Such  the  qualities  and  duties  of  the  Good  Shepherd 
of  our  souls ! 

What  we  owe  in  return: 

i.  Acknowledge  Jesus  as  your  shepherd,  and  rejoice  to 

be  of  His  flock, 
ii.  Love  Him  with  your  whole  hearts : 

a.  Willingly  hearing  His  voice  and  doctrine. 

b.  Readily  obeying  His  every  command :  Jn.  xiv. 
iii.  Trust  His  loving  care  and  watchfulness. 

iv.  Invoke  His  aid,  in  danger  and  trial, 
v.  Accept  the  spiritual  food  He  provides  for  the  soul, 
vi.  Never  leave  His  fold  through  infidelity,  etc. 
vii.  Offer  yourself  and  your  all  to  Him, 

As  the  sheep  yield  their  wool  and  their  lambs  to 

the  shepherd. 

Health  and  wealth,  even  life,  if  He  asks  it. 
viii.  Thus  will  you  truly  be  good  members  of  His  flock, 
and  say : 

"The  Lord  ruleth  me,  and  I  shall  want  nothing:  He  hath 
set  me  in  a  place  of  pasture."     Ps.  xxii.  I,  2. 


*  Our  Saviour  says  that  the  good  shepherd,  when  he  putteth  forth 
his  own  sheep,  goeth  before  them,  and  they  follow  (Jn.  x.  4):  this  is 
true  to  the  letter  yet,  in  pastoral  countries.  The  sheep  are  trained  to 
follow  their  keeper  with  docility,  and  not  to  stray  away  into  the 
unfenced  fields,  that  lie  so  temptingly  on  either  side. 


360  SERMON  PLANS 


180.     UNITY  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

"There  shall  be  one  fold  and  one  shepherd."    Jn.  x.  16. 
i.  The  Church  of  God  has  certain  marks  by  which  it 

is  known, 
ii.  Unity  is  one  of  them  : 

Christ  could   not  give  two   faiths,  or  leave  two 

roads  to  Heaven, 
iii.  Three  points  in  which  this  Unity  consists. 

I.  All  members  agree  in  one  Faith: 

i.  There  is  no  difference  in  dogma  and  doctrine.     But, 
ii.  Everywhere  the  same  truths  are  taught  and  received 

by  all. 
iii.  Every  age  has  believed  and  handed  down  the  same 

truths, 
iv.  All  accept  the  same  interpretation  of  Scripture  and 

Tradition, 
v.  Learned  and  ignorant,  peasant  and  king  believe  the 

same  Creeds. 

vi.  All  submit  to  the  same  rule  of  Morals ;  and 
vii.  The  Church  cuts  off  from  her  communion  all  whose 

belief  differs  from  her  own.* 

II.  All  have  the  same  Worship: 
i.  Always  and  everywhere. 

ii.  The  same  Sacrifice  of  the   Mass,  though  externals 

differ :  e.g.  : 

The  Latin  and  Greek  rites. 
iii.  The  same  Sacraments,  seven  in  number, 
iv.  The  same  Observances,  e.g.  : 

a.  Lent  and  Advent,  and  penitential  practices. 

b.  Days  of  Fasting  and  Abstinence. 

c.  Festivals  and  Holy  Seasons. 
v.  The  same  Devotions,  e.g.  : 

a.  The  Rosary  of  B.V.M. 

b.  The  Way  of  the  Cross. 

c.  Scapulars,  Medals,  Confraternities,  etc, 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  361 


III.  All  united  under  one  Head : 

i.  See  the  order  and  harmony  in  the  Church. 

a.  Pope  and  Bishops,  Priests  and  Faithful. 

b.  As  in  the  human  frame:   i  Cor.  xii.  12. 

ii.  All  nations  and  classes,  though  differing  in  every- 
thing else,  submit  to  this  same  authority, 
iii.  This  Head  is  the  Pope,  Vicar  of  the  Good  Shepherd, 
iv.  Whose  duties  are : 

a.  To  feed  the  flock  with  the  Word  of  Truth. 

1.  The  Lambs  :  Laity  and  Inferior  Clergy. 

2.  The  Sheep :  Bishops  and  Prelates. 

b.  To  guard  them  against  danger  of  sin  ;  or, 

c.  To  lead  them  to  repentance,  if  fallen. 

d.  To  teach  and  instruct. 

e.  To  condemn  error  and  false  doctrine. 
/.  To  decide  controversies. 

v.  Infallible,  when  teaching  ex  cathedra  Faith  or  Morals. 

a.  By    the    assistance    of    God,    not    precluding 

human  industry. 

b.  As    seen   from    Scripture,    Tradition,    Reason, 

Vatican  Council. 

vi.  Entitled  to  the  love,  reverence  and  obedience  of  the 
Faithful. 

Lessons : 

i.  Admire  this  Unity  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

ii.  Thank  God  for  being  members  of  it. 
iii.  Fulfil  your  duties  of  loyalty  and  fidelity  to  it. 
iv.  Pray  for  the  extension  of  the  one  Fold. 

v.  Honour  the  Good  Shepherd  in  His  visible  repre- 
sentative. 


*  As  man  by  Baptism  is  made  member  of  the  Church,  where  there 
is  communication  of  all  spiritual  goods,  so  by  excommunication,  cast 
forth  from  the  Church,  he  becomes  as  a  heathen  and  a  publican, 
deprived  of  Sacrifice  and  Sacraments,  etc.,  until  he  make  amends  and 
satisfy  the  Church. — Soglia. 


362  SERMON  PLANS 


181.     CONFIDENCE    IN    GOD. 

"I  will  see  you  again,  and  your  heart  shall  rejoice."    Jn.  xvi.  22. 
i.  Though  trials  press  around,  we  must  have  confidence 

in  God. 
ii.  As  with  the  Apostles,  so  with  us,  these  words  are  full 

of  comfort. 

Motives  for  Confidence : 

i.  The  authority  of  Our  Lord  Himself. 

a.  Wherever  He  finds  confidence,  He  praises  and 

approves :  e.g. 

The  Centurion:  Mth.  viii.  10. 
The  issue  of  blood :  Ibid.  ix.  22. 
The  woman  of  Canaan  :  Ibid.  xv.  28. 

b.  Wherever,  diffidence,  He  condemns  it :  e.g. 

The  Apostles,  in  the  storm :  Mth.  viii.  26. 
S.  Peter,  on  the  waters :  Ibid.  xvi.  31. 

c.  He  wills  confidence  to  precede  miracles :  e.g. 

Even  the  removing  of  mountains :  Mth.xvii.ig. 

"  All  things  are  possible  to  him  that  belie veth."    Mrk. 
ix.  22. 

ii.  The  attributes  of  God  : 

a.  Omnipotence,  which  can  do  all  things. 

b.  Wisdom,  which  knows  all  things. 

c.  Chanty  unlimited  for  man. 

Which  should  inspire  all  confidence  and  trust, 
iii.  Examples  from  Holy  Scripture : 

Abraham,  in  sacrificing  Isaac  :  Gen.  xxii.  10. 

David,  before  Goliath  :   i  Kgs.  xvii.  37,  45. 

Blessed  Virgin,  at  the  marriage- f east :  Jn.  ii.  5. 
iv.  Examples  of  the  Saints,  strong  in  God : 

Twelve  poor  fishermen  converted  the  world. 

S.  Francis  Xavier  single-handed  gained  nations  to 
God. 

S.  Teresa,  though  poor,  built  many  convents. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  363 


Confidence  gained  by  prayer : 

i.  Jesus  is  our  friend  of  all  times  and  in  all  needs. 

A  better  friend  never  was. 
ii.  He  never  wearies  of  listening  to  our  wants, 
iii.  He  is  God  and  knows  all  things :  yet  He  wishes  us 

to  ask. 
iv.  Hence  go  to  Him,  especially  in  the  Bl.  Sacrament : 

a.  If  sad,  pour  forth  your  troubles  to  Him. 

b.  If  joyful,  thank  Him,  and  so  sanctify  your  joy. 

c.  If  in  sin,  show  Him  the  wound,  and  ask  for 

pardon. 

d.  If  He  delay  your  request,  complain  humbly,  yet 

in  resignation. 
e.  The  more  you  ask,  the  more  He  rejoices  to  give. 

Remind  Him  of  His  promise :  Mth.  vii.  7. 
/.  Speak  of  your  wants,  your  parents,  friends,  etc. 
v.  Thus  will  confidence  gradually  grow  up  within  us. 

Lessons : 

i.  From  such  considerations,  learn  great  confidence  in 

God. 
Most   pleasing   to    Him,   therefore    calculated   to 

avail, 
ii.  We    absolutely  need   it,  for   of    ourselves   we   are 

nothing. 

The  ivy  on  the  wall.* 
Crossing  a  torrent. f 

iii.  Everything  leads  us  to  have  confidence ;  and, 
iv.  Prayer  to  God  will  obtain  it. 


*  Ivy  needs  a  stake  or  a  wall,  whereby  to  climb  upwards;  so  human 
nature,  weak  and  helpless  of  itself,  must  seek  aid  and  support  in  God, 
by  confidence  in  His  perfections. 

t  No  one  crossing  a  torrent  must  look  at  the  waters  beneath,  lest 
he  turn  giddy  and  fall,  but  must  keep  his  eyes  upraised  ;  and  whoever 
feels  depressed  at  the  thought  of  his  sins,  to  avoid  despair,  must  look  in 
confidence  at  the  mercy  and  goodness  of  God. 


364  SERMON  PLANS 


182.     THE  TRIALS  OF   LIFE. 

"  You  shall  be  made  sorrowful."    Jn.  xvi.  20. 

i.  When  Our  Lord  was  on  earth,  He  was  subject  to 

sorrow  and  trial. 

"A  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  infirmity."    Is.liii.j. 
ii.  He  here  forewarns  His  followers  that  they  also  shall 

be.     For, 

"  The  disciple  is  not  above  the  master."     Mth.  x.  24. 
iii.  Consider  that  mysterious  subject — the  existence  of 
evil. 

The  existence  of  Evil : 

i.  A  great  objection  against  the  Providence  of  God. 

Yet, 

ii.  God   wills  only  good,  though   He  permits  sin  and 
evil. 

a.  Our  free-will  is  not  forced :  Ecclus.  xv.  18. 

b.  If  we  avoid  sin,  God  will  reward. 

c.  If  we  commit  it,  He  will  punish. 

iii.  The  secrets  of  God  must  command  our  veneration, 
iv.  Thus  irregularities  of  wealth,  suffering,  etc.  need  not 

bewilder  us.     For, 

"How  unsearchable  His  ways."     Rom.  xi.  33. 
v.  God  rules  all  things,  with  infinite  love  and  wisdom. 
Study    the    firmament,   and    see    the    works    of 

creation. 

vi.  Why  then  murmur,  if  you  suffer,  while  others  may 
not  do  ? 

a.  Say  rather  with  Job :    "  The  Lord  gave,"  etc. 

Job  i.  21. 

b.  So  also   did   David   comfort   himself   in   trial : 

Ps.  Ixxii. 

Sorrows  and  trials : 

i.  Permitted  of  God  for  our  good  :  Ecclus.  xi.  14. 
ii.  The  punishment  of  sin  :  e.g. 

In  Adam  and  Eve:  Gen.  iii.  16 — 19. 

In  King  David :  2  Kgs.  xii.  14. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  365 

iii.  The  expiation  of  sin,  if  rightly  borne. 

a.  All  have  sins  to  atone  for. 

Either  here  in  mercy,  or  hereafter  in  justice. 

b.  Chastisement  here  is  really  a  mercy  of  God. 

For, 

c.  Vengeance,  if  delayed,  is  all  the  heavier, 
iv.  A  source  of  glory  hereafter. 

"  Blessed  are  ye  when  they  shall  persecute  you  .  .  .  your  reward 

is  very  great."     Mth.  v.  n,  12. 
"Our    tribulation    worketh    an    eternal    weight    of   glory." 

2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

v.  Withdraw  the  heart  from  things  of  earth. 

Tobias,  struck  blind  :  Tob.  ii.  18. 

vi.  God  draws  good  from  evil:  (patience,  self-sacrifice). 
Joseph's   persecution   became  the  comfort  of  his 

family :  Gen.  1.  20. 

The  murder  of  Christ,  the  salvation  of  souls. 
Many  owe  their  conversion  to  affliction  :  e.g. 

S.  Ignatius,  and  his  wound  :  Jly.  31. 
Adversity  and  salvation  are  not  far  apart, 
vii.  Faith,  conscience  and  grace,  remedies  and  support 
in  trial. 

"Whom  the  Lord  loveth  He  chastiseth."     Prov.  iii.  12. 
"To  them  that  love  God,  all  things  work  together  unto  good." 

Rom.  viii.  28. 
"My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee."     2  Cor.  xii.  9. 

viii.  The  great  judgment-day  will  show  all  this  clearly  ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Murmur  not,  if  crosses  be  your  lot. 

The  King  and  the  General.* 
ii.  Appeal  to  God  for  fortitude  and  patience. 

Then  shall  your  sorrow  be  turned  into  joy. 


*  If  a  King  advance  an  officer  to  the  command  of  an  army  in  battle, 
where  he  will  be  exposed  to  danger,  he  is  not  thought  to  treat  him  ill, 
but  to  give  him  occasion  for  gaining  glory  and  renown.  So,  in  the 
eyes  of  Faith,  crosses  are  a  mark  of  divine  favour  to  man. — Archer. 


366  SERMON  PLANS 


183.     DEATH. 

"Whither  goest  thou?"    Jn.  xvi.  5. 

i.  Each  one  may  put  to  himself  this  question  of  the 

Gospel, 
ii.  As  our  Lord  had  to  leave  the  earth,  so  must  each  of 

us. 

iii.  Death  is  the  passage  by  which  we  enter  eternity. 
And, 

14  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die."     Hebr.  ix.  27. 

Death : 

i.  Separation  of  the  soul  from  the  body ;  thus,  the  end 

a.  Of  time,  and  the  beginning  of  eternity. 

b.  Of  ambitions,  earthly  joys,  sorrows,  etc. 

c.  Of  man's  probation  and  trial. 

ii.  A  consequence  and  punishment  of  sin ;  for, 

"Got!  created  man  incorruptible."     Wisd.  ii.  23. 
iii.  More  than  80,000  die  per  day,  the  world  over, 
iv.  One  thing  only  is  certain  about  death :  it  will  come. 

A  fearful  thought,  yet  most  salutary. 
v.  Everything  else  is  uncertain,  e.g. 
a.  Time  of  Death  :  who  can  say  ? 

"  At  what  hour  you  think  not,  the  Son  of  Man  will 
come."     Lke.  xii.  40. 

1.  In  childhood,  youth  or  old  age  ? 

2.  Shortly,  or  many  years  hence  ? 

3.  In  summer,  or  in  winter  ? 

4.  In  the  daytime,  or  at  night  ? 

5.  Yet  some  Saints  have  known  beforehand 

the  day  of  their  death. 
S.Philip:  May  26. 
S.  Aloysius:  June  21. 
S.Teresa:  Oct.  15. 


ON    THE    GOSPELS  367 

b.  Place  of  Death :  who  can  tell  ? 

1.  At  home,  or  abroad  ? 

2.  On  the  railway,  or  at  sea  ? 

3.  In  bed,  at  table,  in  Church,  or  in  the  Street  ? 

c.  Manner  of  Death :  who  can  say  ? 

1.  Suddenly,  or  after  a  warning  sickness  ? 

2.  Naturally,  or  by  accident  ? 

18,000    violent    deaths    per    annum,   in 
England. 

3.  From  this  disease,  or  that  ? 

4.  With  the  priest,  or  without  the  sacraments  ? 

5.  Conscious,  or  unconscious  ? 

vi.  The  world  banishes  the  very  name  of  death,  coffin,  etc. 

But  the  Saints  kept  them  ever  in  mind.* 
vii.  We  must  remember  our  coming  death : 

a.  To  resist  temptation  and  sin. 

b.  To  be  ready,  no  matter  when  it  comes. 

c.  To  detach  our  hearts  from  the  earth.     For, 

In  death,  all  must  be  left  behind, 
viii.  Temptations  often  strong  in  death :  e.g. 

a.  To  impatience,  despair,  unbelief. 

b.  To  the  predominant  passion. 

Conclusion  :  Prepare  for  Death,  by 
i.  A  good  life,  the  only  real  preparation, 
ii.  Practical  devotion  to : 

a.  The  Blessed  Virgin,  and  Angel  Guardian. 

b.  S.  Joseph,  patron  of  a  happy  death. 

c.  S.  Barbara,  for  the  grace  of  the  last  Sacraments. 

d.  S.  Andrew  Avellino,  against  sudden  death. 


*  S.  John  the  Almoner  had  a  tomb  opened  for  himself — Many 
Saints  kept  a  skull  beside  them,  to  remind  them  of  death — The 
Trappists  keep  an  open  grave,  ready  for  the  next  death  among  them. 


368  SERMON  PLANS 


184.     DEVOTION   TO  THE  HOLY  GHOST. 

i.  To-day  the  Gospel  already  reminds  us  of  the  coming 

of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ii.  Hence,  prepare  even  now  in  thought  for  Pentecost. 

a.  Too  seldom  do  we  think  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

b.  Perhaps,  because  His  operations  are  secret,  as 

the  earth's  motion  is  silent. 
iii.  Yet,  we  owe  Him  worship,  as  to  the  Father  and  Son. 

a.  If  you  need  information  on  astronomy,  etc.  you 

consult  astronomers,  etc. 

b.  So  now  consult  the  teachers  of  Divine  Science  on 

Devotion  to  the  Holy  Ghost: 

i.  God  Himself,  to  teach  it,  has  written  two  great  books : 

a.  The  universe : 

The  Heavens,  the  Earth,  the  Seas,  all  speak 
of  Him,  their  Creator. 

b.  The  Bible : 

1.  The  Old  Testament  names  Him  some  150 

times. 

2.  The  New  Testament,  over  200  times. 

3.  Revealing   His   role    in  the  creation  and 

government  of  the  World. 

4.  Preaching  the  duty  of  men  and  angels  to 

praise  and  adore  Him. 
ii.  Our  Lord  teaches  the  same  in  word  and  deed : 

a.  What  the  Baptist  was  to  Him,  He  seems  to  be 

to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

b.  On  becoming  Man,  He  wills  that 

1.  His  Holy  Mother  should  be  the  Spouse  of 

the  Holy  Ghost. 

2.  His  own  Body  should  be  formed  by  the 

operation  of  the  Same. 

c.  During  life,  He  seems  ever  dependent  on  Him  : 

By  Him,  He  was  led  into  the  desert :  Mth.iv.i. 
By  Him,  He  cast  forth  devils:  Ibid.  xii.  28. 
By   Him,  He   offered   Himself  unspotted  to 
God  :  Heb.  ix.  14. 

d.  He    defends   the    rights    of    the   Holy   Spirit, 

seeming  to  forget  His  own  :  Mth.  xii.  32. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  369 

e.  He  leaves   all  that   is  dearest  to  Himself  on 

earth. 
Lest    His    continued    presence   prevent   the 

coming  of  the  Paraclete :  Jn.  xvi.  7. 
iii.  The  Apostles  : 

a.  Formed  by  the  Holy  Ghost  Himself,  by  His 

fulness  do  they  speak. 

Before  converts  and  persecutors,  in  writing 
and  discourse,  He  is  their  theme. 

b.  They  leave  the  poor  to  deacons,  to  preach  and 

give  the  Holy  Ghost :  Acts  vi. 

c.  Their  very  vocation    is   to   oppose  Satan    and 

make  him  yield  to  the  Spirit  of  God. 

d.  This  they  go  forth  throughout  the  world  to  do. 

Especially  S.  Paul :  e.g.  Eph.  iv.  30 ;  i  Thess. 
v.  19 ;  Gal.  v.  16. 

e.  Thus  do  they  all  become  men  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Their  preaching,  miracles,  death  imply  Him 

given  to  souls. 

/.  Now  preservation  of  beings  is  a  continuation  of 
their  creation. 

1.  The  Christian  World  was  formed  by  the 

Holy  Spirit. 

2.  To  remain  Christian,  let  it  be  faithful  to 

the  principle  of  its  origin, 
iv.  The  Church : 

a.  The  teachings  of  her  Doctors  and  Saints. 

b.  The  sign  of  the  Cross  so  often  used. 

c.  A  special  feast  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  Pentecost. 

d.  Invocation   of  the  Holy  Ghost  on    important 

occasions :  e.g. 
In  Conclave,  Ordinations,  Councils,  etc. 

e.  Such  some  means  used  by  the  Church  to  remind 

us  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Lessons : 

i.  Thus  do  we  owe  adoration  to  the  Holy  Spirit. 

ii.  Cultivate  or  revive  devotion  to  Him. 
iii.  Prepare  for  the  coming  festival  of  Pentecost, 
iv.  Invoke  His  light  and  guidance  in  time  of  doubt  and 

difficulty. 


370  SERMON  PLANS 


185.     PRAYER. 

"Ask  and  you  shall  receive."    Jn.  xvi.  24. 
i.  Prayer  is  the  raising  up  of  mind  and  heart  to  God. 
A  chief  means  of  grace,  suitable  to  all  circum- 
stances. 

ii.  Our  Lord  here  inculcates  the  duty  of  prayer : 
A  subject  of  personal  interest  to  each  one. 

Necessity  of  Prayer: 
i.  Grounded  on  two  truths,  viz. : 

a.  Without  God's   help  we  can   do  nothing   for 

salvation  :  Jn.  xv.  5. 

b.  Prayer    is   the    ordinary   means   of    obtaining 

grace :  Mth.  vii.  7. 
ii.  Inculcated  in  Scripture: 

"  Watch  ye,  praying  at  all  times."     Lke.  xxi.  36. 
"Be  instant  in  prayer."     Col.  iv.  2. 
"Pray  without  ceasing."     i  Thess.  v.  17. 

iii.  Example  of  Christ  and  His  Saints : 

Our  Lord  on  the  mountain  at  night :  Mth.  xiv.  23  : 
Lke.  vi.  12. 

The  Apostles  persevered  in  prayer:  Acts  i.  14. 

David  prayed  seven  times  a  day :   Ps.  cxviii.  164. 

Daniel,  at  three  stated  times  a  day  :  Dan.  vi.  10. 

S.  Patrick:  Mch.  17. 

S.  Alphonsus :  Aug.  2. 

S.Bruno:  Oct.  6. 
iv.  Without  prayer,  Salvation  cannot  be  expected. 

Persons  who  may  pray : 
i.  The  Just : 

a.  Whose    prayer    has  great    power  with    God. 

Jas.  v.  1 6. 

b.  For  their  own  perseverance,  etc. 

c.  For  the  wants  of  others. 

Moses  for  his  people  :  Ex.  xxxii. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  371 


ii.  Sinners: 

a.  Well  disposed  and  desiring  to  amend. 

b.  God  in  which  case  will  show  mercy. 

The  Publican  :  Lke.  xviii. 
The  good  Thief  :  Lke.  xxiii.  42. 
iii.  We  all  belong  to  one  of  these  classes : 

Hence  all  may  pray :  a  consoling  thought,  indeed  ! 

Objects  for  Prayer : 
i.  Spiritual  goods :  e.g. 

a.  Perseverance. 

b.  Victory  over  temptation. 

Example  of  S.  Paul :  2  Cor.  xii.  8. 

c.  A  vocation,  or  some  virtue. 

ii.  Temporal  blessings,  subject  to  God's  will. 

Anna,  for  a  son  :  i  Kgs.  i.  n. 

Elias,  for  rain  :  3  Kgs.  xviii.  45. 

Ezechias,  for  recovery  :  4  Kgs.  xix. 

S.James  urges  the  same:  v.  15. 
iii.  Persons  (ourselves  and  others) : 

"  Pray  for  one  another,  that  you  may  be  saved."  Jas.  v.  16. 

a.  Relatives  and  friends. 

b.  Superiors  and  inferiors. 

c.  Sinners ;  enemies. 

d.  Souls  in  Purgatory. 

Lessons : 

i.  Fail  not  in  this  essential  duty  of  prayer :  e.g. 

Morning  and  evening  :  on  Sundays  :  in   tempta- 
tion, etc. 

ii.  Prayer  is  equal  to  all  our  needs  and  wants, 
iii.  Give  it  the  qualities,  that  make  it  pleasing  to  God 

and  effectual. 

Then  will  your  prayer  be  heard :   and  you  will 
receive,  as  you  ask. 


37*  SERMON  PLANS 


186.     QUALITIES   OF   PRAYER. 
"  Hitherto  you  have  not  asked  in  My  name."    Jn.  xvi.  24. 
i.  We  ask  not  in  Christ's  name,  if  we  ask  amiss, 
ii.  Our  prayer  must  therefore  have  certain  qualities,  viz. : 

Qualities  of  Prayer : 

i.  A  Mention  : 

a.  Free  from  wilful  distractions. 

"  This  people  with  their  lips  glorify  Me,  but  their  heart 
is  far  from  Me."     Is.  xxix.  13. 

b.  Otherwise    our    prayer    becomes    sinful    and 

unavailing. 

c.  Hence  the  need  of  proper  time,  place,  posture, 

etc.  for  prayer. 
Especially  necessary,  in  the  case  of  children. 

d.  Purgatory   lengthened    by  negligence  in   this 

matter, 
ii.  Humility : 

"  The  prayer  of  him  that  humbleth  himself  shall  pierce 

the  clouds."     Ecclus.  xxxv.  21. 
"God   resisteth    the   proud    and    giveth    grace   to   the 

humble."    Jas.  iv.  6. 

a.  Acknowledgment  of  our  nothingness,  and  entire 

dependence  on  God. 

b.  A    quality    which     especially    attracts    God's 

benevolence. 

The  Centurion  :  Mth.  viii.  8. 
The  Publican  :  Lke.  xviii.  13. 
iii.    Confidence : 

a.  Trust  in  the  power  and  goodness  of  God. 

b.  Further  quality  most  pleasing  to  Him. 

The  Canaanite  woman  :  Mth.  xv.  22. 
S.  Scholastica's  visit  to  her  brother:  Feb.  10. 
iv.  Resignation  : 

"Not  My  will,  but  Thine  be  done."     Lkc.  xxii.  42. 
a.  Leaving  our  petition  entirely  in  God's  hands, 
who  knows  best. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  373 

b.  Without  murmurs,  if  our  request  be  not  granted 

as  asked. 

c.  In  any  case,  our  prayer  if  not  granted  will  be 

rewarded  in  some  way. 
The  three  children  :  Dan.  iii.  18. 
Our  Lord  in  His  Agony, 
v.  Perseverance  : 

a.  Assiduity  in  prayer. 

b.  Without   discouragement,  if   not   immediately 

heard:  Lke.  xviii.  i. 

c.  God  sometimes  wishes  to  try  our  earnestness. 

d.  It  is  not  for  us  to  say  when  He  shall  grant  our 

petition. 

Abraham's  prayer  for  Sodom:  Gen.  xviii. 
The  importunate  friend :  Lke.  xi.  8. 
S.  Monica  for  her  son :  May  4. 
So  we,  for  England's  conversion,  etc. 

Lessons : 

i.  Examine  whether  your  prayers  lack  these  qualities.* 

Which  may  account  for  their  poor  results ! 
ii.  Always   have   some  object  to  pray  for — a  special 

intention. 
Otherwise  prayers  soon  become  routine. 

a.  A  great  aid  towards  giving  it  its  proper  qualities. 

b.  Hence  always  make  an  intention  before  Mass, 

Communion,  &c. 
iii.  Strive  thus  to  pray  truly  in  Christ's  name. 

Then  shall  you  receive,  and  your  joy  will  be  full. 


*  S.  Bernard  once  saw  an  angel  writing  down  the  divine  praises  of 
his  brethren,  as  they  recited  the  office  in  choir.  Some  were  written  in 
letters  of  gold,  denoting  great  fervour  ;  some  in  silver,  expressing  pure 
intention  ;  others  in  ink,  implying  sloth ;  others  in  water,  showing 
absence  of  all  piety ;  while  some  were  not  written  down  at  all,  but 
instead,  the  words  :  "  their  heart  is  far  from  Me,"  to  signify  God  was 
most  displeased  with  such  prayer. — Mutter. 


374  SEKMOM  PLANS 


187.     HEAVEN   OUR  GOAL. 

i.  Our  Lord  to-day  ascended  to  Heaven,  the  reward  of 

His  labours. 

ii.  This  reward,  the  goal  which  we  also  must  aim  at. 
iii.  Our  Lord  tells  us  this,  and  also  shows  the  means  to 
do  it. 

Christ  tells  us  Heaven  is  our  goal: 
i.  By  His  Words  : 

"  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you."    Jn.  xiv.  2. 
"  I  will  that  where  I  am,  they  Jlso  may  be."    Jn.  xvii.  24. 
"To  him  that  shall  overcome,  I  will  give  to  sit  with  Me 
in  My  throne."     Apoc.  iii.  21. 

a.  What  words  could  be  more  clear  than  these  ? 

b.  What  promises  more  consoling  ? 

c.  Heaven  then  must  be  the  object  of  our  aim,  as 

shown  also 
ii.  By  remarkable  Facts: 

a.  Five  hundred  disciples  witness  the  Ascension 

of  Our  Lord. 

As  though  to  put  it  beyond  the  possibility  of 
doubt. 

b.  A  cloud  received  Him  out  of  sight :  Acts  i.  9. 

1.  The     ordinary     accompaniment     of     the 

Divinity. 

2.  Realizing  the  words  of  the  Royal  Prophet : 
"Who  makest  the  clouds  Thy  chariot."     Ps.  ciii.  3. 

c.  Angels    announce    His    entry    into    Heaven: 

Acts  i.  10,  ii. 
Such  facts  confirm  Our  Lord's  words:  and 

He  encourages  us  also 
iii.  By  material  proofs  : 

a.  The  marks  of  His  feet,  left  on  the  rock  whence 

He  ascended. 

b.  The  impossibility  of  covering  them  over.* 

c.  The   very    feast   of    to-day,  instituted   by   the 

Apostles  themselves. 

Clearly  showing  the  thought  of  Heaven,  as 
its  object. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  375 


Christ  shows  us  the  means,  of  reaching  Heaven ; 

i.  By  His  Words  :  Lke.  ix.  23. 

a.  Self-denial : 

1.  Renouncing  our  own  wishes  and  desires. 

2.  Submission  of  Intellect  and  Will  to  God. 

3.  Mortification,  a  preservative  against  sin. 

As  salt  is,  against  corruption  in  food. 

b.  Carrying  the  Cross  cheerfully  : 

1.  Each  one  has  his  own  cross  in  life: 

From  friend  or  foe,  poverty  or  sickness,  etc. 

2.  If  we  refuse  one   cross,  we   may   find   a 

heavier. 

c.  Following  Christ,  by 

1.  Imitating  His  hidden  life. 

2.  Practising  the  Christian  virtues. 

3.  The  spirit  of  self-sacrifice, 
ii.  By  His  Example  : 

a.  He   ascended    from    the   very   place    of    His 

previous  humiliations. 

As  though  showing  that  trial  and  triumph  go 
together. 

b.  Nothing  so  encourages  the  army,  as  the  example 

of  the  General. 

Lessons : 

i.  Walk  in  the  path,  thus  shown  by  Our  Saviour. 

He  is  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life  :  Jn.  xiv.  6. 
ii.  This  we  promised  in  Baptism  to  do :  then, 
iii.  As  He  is  our  only  Redeemer,  so  will  He   be  our 

eternal  Reward. 


*  When  S.  Helen,  in  the  4th  c.  built  a  Church  over  the  place 
whence  our  Lord  ascended  to  Heaven,  never  could  they  succeed  in 
laying  a  stone  upon  the  traces  of  His  sacred  feet  in  the  rock,  nor  in 
closing  the  roof  over  them,  which  at  that  point  ever  remained  open  to 
the  Heavens  above — facts  attested  by  S.  Jerome,  S.  Augustine  and 
others,  worthy  of  every  credence. 


3?6  SERMON  PLANS 


188.     THE   ASCENSION. 

"Jesus  .  .  .  was  taken  up  to  Heaven."     Mrk.  xvi.  19. 

i.  Ascension  Day  one  of  the  greater  feasts  of  the  year. 
Commemorating   the    re-opening    of   Heaven   to 

man. 
ii.  Our  Lord's  Ascension,  prefigured  in  Elias :  4  Kgs. 

ii.  ii. 
iii.  Worthy  of  due  celebration  and  consideration. 

Jesus  taken  up : 

i.  By  His  own  divine  power,  as  able  to  do  all  things. 

After  blessing  His  Holy  Mother  and  the  Disciples, 
ii.  From  Mount  Olivet,  near  the  scene  of  His  humilia- 
tions. 

a.  Facing  Europe,  as  when  dying. 

As  seen  from  the  impress  of  His  feet  on  the 
rock. 

b.  The  pilgrim's  death.* 
iii.  Body  and  Soul  together. 

o.  Reunited  for  ever  in  His  Resurrection. 

b.  Thus  is  our  human  nature  raised  to  the  pinnacle 

of  glory. 
iv.  Accompanied  by  the  souls  from  Limbo : 

a.  Glorious    procession  of  the  Saints  of  the  Old 

Law. 

b.  Procession  still  continuing  of  souls  from  Earth 

and  Purgatory, 
v.  Yet  He  still  remains  with  us : 

"  I  will  not  leave  you  orphans."    Jn.  xiv.  18. 

a.  In  the  Church  He  had  established:  Mth.xxviii.2O. 

b.  In  the  Sacrament  of  His  Love:  Jn.  vi.  52. 

c.  In  His  Vicar,  the  supreme  Pontiff:  Mth.  xvi.  18. 

d.  In  our  Souls,  by  His  grace:  Jn.  xiv.  23. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  377 

Sitteth : 

i.  Not  denoting  posture,  impossible  in  God. 
ii.  But  implying : 

a.  The  dignity  of  the  Son  of  God,  equal  to  the  Father. 

b.  The  royal  and  judicial  powers  of  Christ. 

c.  Unchanging  repose  and  beatitude. 

d.  The  throne  befitting  His  sovereignty. 

On  the  right  hand : 

i.  Not  that  God  has  hands,  for  He  is  a  pure  spirit, 
ii.  But  denoting  the  place  of  honour. 

King  Solomon  and  his  mother:  3  Kgs.  ii.  19. 
iii.  Christ,  as  Man,  has  the  second  throne  in  Heaven. 

As  Joseph  was  next  to  Pharao  in  Egypt :  Gen.xli.4o. 
iv.  Christ  has  the  highest  place  in  Heaven,  above  every 

creature. 

The  Ascension  is,  in  regard  to 

i.  God :  the  perfecting  of  the  end  of  His  creation  of 

Man. 
ii.  Our  Lord :  an  act  of  restitution  and  reward:  (glory 

for  shame). 
iii.  The  Church :  the  cause  of 

a.  The  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost :  Jn.  xvi.  7. 

b.  The  Real  Presence  in  the  Blessed  Sacrament, 
iv.  Man  : 

a.  A  revival  of  his  hope  of  Heaven. 

b.  A  motive  for  virtue  and  good  works. 

c.  A  comfort  in  trial :  sursum  corda ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Congratulate  Our  Lord  on  His  magnificent  triumph, 
ii.  The  Ascension  should  strengthen  our  Faith,  Hope 

and  Charity, 
iii.  Prepare  now  for  Pentecost,  like  the  Apostles. 

*  S.  Bernardine  tells  of  a  pilgrim  who  visited  Mt.  Olivet  to  behold 
the  last  traces  of  his  Redeemer  on  earth,  and  who,  while  prostrate  on 
the  ground,  kissing  with  love  the  sacred  footprints,  died  there,  his  soul 
winging  her  flight  from  that  very  spot  to  the  embraces  of  Him  she  had 
so  ardently  loved. — Butler. 


378  SERMON  PLANS 


189.     BEARING   TESTIMONY  TO  CHRIST. 

"Ye  shall  give  testimony."    Jn.  xv.  27. 

i.  To  give  testimony  to  Christ  is  to  bear  witness,  that 

a.  He  is  what  He  claims  to  be — God  and  man, 

the  Messiah. 

b.  The  Gospel  is  His  Word. 

c.  The  Church  and  Sacraments,  His  work. 

ii.  The  Apostles  bore  this  testimony,  in  season,  out  of 

season, 
iii.  So  must  we,  as  their  followers,  do  in  like  manner. 

The  Apostles  gave  testimony:  by 

i.  Their  Preaching : 

a.  S.  Peter,  on  the  day  of  Pentecost :  Acts  ii.  40. 

b.  The  others,  in  various  lands. 

c.  Fulfilling    the  word   of    the    Royal    Prophet, 

A.C.  1,000. 

"  Their  sound  hath  gone  forth  into  all  the  earth."     Ps. 
xviii.  5. 

ii.  Their  Miracles : 

a.  After  Pentecost,  the  Apostles  became  wonder- 
workers :  e.g. 

1.  The  gift  of  tongues:  Acts  ii.  4. 

2.  Healing  sickness  and  disease :  Ibid.  iii.  6 : 

ix.  34,  40. 

3.  Their  converting  the  world  is  a  miracle. 
iii.  Their  Blood  : 

a.  The  Apostles  died  in  defence  of  Revelation  : 

S.  Peter,  crucified  head  downwards  :  June  29. 
S.James  the  Greater,  beheaded  :  Jly.  25. 
S.  Andrew,  on  a  cross :  Nov.  30. 

b.  So  of  the  others :  all  died  for  their  Master. 

c.  The  Church  acknowledges  this ;  for, 

1.  She   honours   them   as    Martyrs,   i.e.  wit- 

nesses; and, 

2.  Presents  them  to  the  Faithful  as  models 

and  patrons. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  379 


We  also  must  give  testimony:  by 

i.  Our  Words: 

a.  Professing  our  belief  in  Christ  and  His  teaching. 

b.  Praising  His  great  mercies  to  men. 

c.  Teaching  men  to  know  Him  and  His  work, 
ii.  Our  Conduct : 

a.  Conforming  our  lives  to  His  maxims.* 

b.  Practising  the  virtues  He  commends. 

c.  Ever  proving  ourselves  His  true  disciples, 
iii.  Our  Spirit  of  Sacrifice  : 

a.  In  the  Martyrs  it  meant  giving  their  lives  for 

the  Faith. 

b.  God  may  not  ask  this  of  us :  we  are  unworthy 

of  it. 

c.  But  He  does  ask  us  to  sacrifice 

1.  Our  evil  inclinations. 

2.  Our  human  respect,  and  self-will. 

3.  Something  of  our  means,  our  time,  etc. 

d.  Opportunities  for  this  are  never  wanting. 

Lessons : 

i.  At   the    Judgment    Day,    Christ    will    demand    an 

account  of  us. 
If  we  do  not  bear  Him  testimony,  we  shall  be 

cast  out. 
ii.  They  do  not  bear  witness  to  Christ, 

a.  Who,  though  baptized,  do  not  acknowledge  the 

Faith. 

b.  Who,  though  Catholics,  never  enter  Church :  or, 

c.  Who  attend  Mass,  only  on  special  occasions ! 

d.  Who  curse,  or  drink,  or  steal. 

iii.  If  in  the  past  you  have  failed,  begin  even  now  to 

serve  God. 
iv.  Raise  your  hearts  to  Heaven,  an  encouragement  to 

persevere ! 


*  There  would  be  no  heathens,  were  we  such  Christians  as  we 
ought  to  be.  Paul  was  but  a  man,  yet  how  many  did  he  draw  after 
him  !  If  we  were  all  such  as  he,  how  many  worlds  might  we  bring 
to  give  testimony  to  God. — S.  Chrysostom. 


380  SERMON  PLANS 


190.     PERSECUTION  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

"  Whoso  killeth  you  will  think  that  he  cloth  a  service  to  God." 
|n.  xvi.  2. 

i.  Our  Lord  foretells  sorrows  to  His  Church  and  His 

followers, 
ii.  Reflect  on  the  truth  and  meaning  of  this. 

Persecutions : 

i.  Ever  the  lot  of  the  Church,  somewhere  or  other, 
ii.  The    ten     great    persecutions     under    the    Roman 
Emperors. 

a.  For  300  years,  from  Nero  to  Diocletian :  A.D. 

64 — 312. 

b.  Some  200,000  Martyrs  in  Rome  alone. 

The  Colosseum — The  Catacombs. 

c.  Millions  of  martyrs  throughout  the  Empire  in 

those  years, 
iii.  Other  persecutions  in  other  parts  of  the  world  :  eg. 

Under  King  Sapor,  in  Persia:  A.D.  343. 
iv.  In  succeeding  ages  also :  e.g. 

The   penal    laws   in    England,  i6th   c.      English 

Martyrs. 

Persecution  in  Japan,  lyth-  c. 
Kulturkampf  in  Germany  recently. 
Catholic  missions  in  Asia  and  Africa  now-a-days. 
Captivity  of  the  Roman  Pontiffs. 

v.  Wherever  persecuted,  there  the  Church  thrives  and 
gathers  strength. 

a.  Truly   the    blood   of   Martyrs   is   the   seed   of 

Christians  :  Tertullian. 

b.  Only  a  divine  institution  could  withstand  such 

onslaughts, 
vi.  Persecutors  of  the  Church  usually  end  badly.* 

Permitted : 
i.  That  Our  Lord's  followers  may  resemble  Him.  For, 

"The  disciple  is  not  above  the  master."     Mth.  x.  24. 
"If  they  have  persecuted  Me,  they  will  also  persecute  you." 
Jn.  xv.  20. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  381 

ii.  To  prove  the  elect : 

a.  Trials  show  what  a  man  is  made  of 

b.  As  gold  is  tried  and  purified  by  fire :  Wisd.iii.6. 
iii.  To  make  virtue  shine  forth,  and  to  manifest  God's 

power. 

a.  The   more   the  thurible   swings,   the   more    is 

its  fragrance  scattered. 

b.  The  more  the  Church  is  tried,  the  more  is  God's 

love  tested. 

iv.  That  Our  Lord's  followers  may  trust  in  God,  and 
God  only. 

"  I  am  with  him  in  tribulation."     Ps.  xc.  15. 

"Call  upon  Me  in  the  day  of  trouble."     Ps.  xlix.  15. 

v.  To  teach  us  that  all  must  be  sacrificed  to  salvation. 
Eternity  with  God  is  the  highest  good,  to  which  all 

else  must  yield. 

vi.  Whosoever  is  not  tried  unto  blood  will  have  other 
trials:  e.g. 

a.  Daily  toil  and  suffering. 

b.  Temptations,  or  dryness  of  soul. 

S.  Jerome,  S.  Teresa,  etc. 

c.  Opposition  from  the  tongues  of  men. 

As  most  of  the  Saints  found. 

d.  Sickness,  poverty,  failure,  etc. 

Lessons : 

i.  Be  not  surprised  at  the  trials  of  the  Church,  thus 

foretold, 
ii.  Lose  not  confidence  therein,  for 

a.  The     gates     of     Hell     shall     never     prevail : 

Mth.  xvi.  1 8. 

b.  Help  will  not  be  wanting  to  those  who  ask  it. 
iii.  Our  own  trials  will  not  last,  and  one  day  will  turn 

into  joy :  Jn.  xvi.  20. 


*  Nero,  after  a  life  of  unheard  of  cruelties,  had  to  fly  from  Rome, 
and  then  committed  suicide — Domitian  was  stabbed  to  death,  while 
reading  a  letter — Julian  was  pierced  by  an  arrow  in  battle — Valerian, 
taken  prisoner,  had  to  bend  his  back  to  enable  Sapor  to  mount  his 
horse,  and  after  death  his  skin  was  tanned  and  hung  up  in  a  temple,  an 
eternal  monument  of  Roman  dishonour — Bismarck  died  in  disgrace. 


382  SERMON  PLANS 


191.     RECEIVING  THE   HOLY  GHOST. 

11  The  Holy  Ghost  whom  the  Father  will  send."    Jn.  xiv.  26. 
i.  Pentecost,  one  of  the  greatest  feasts,  commemorat- 
ing the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Feast  instituted  by  the  Apostles  themselves, 
ii.  It  not  only  commemorates,  but  renews  it,  though  in 

different  form. 

iii.  Hence  see  how  the  Apostles  received  the  Spirit,  and 
how  we  should. 

The  Apostles  received  the  Holy  Ghost, 
i.  After  waiting  and  expectation  in  prayer. 

"Stay  you  in  the  city,  till  you  be  endued  with  power  from  on 

high."     Lke.  xxiv.  49. 
"  All  these  were  persevering  in  prayer."    Acts  i.  14. 

ii.  On  the  morning  of  Pentecost,  about  the  third  hour : 

a.  The  Israelites  received  the  law  of  fear,  on  Sina, 

50  days  after  leaving  Egypt. 

b.  The  Apostles  received  the  law  of  love,  on  Sion, 

50  days  after  the  Resurrection, 
iii.  Effects  in  the  Apostles : 

a.  They  were  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  according 

to  the  measure  of  God's  grace. 

1.  In  Intellect,  to  know  and  believe  all  truth. 

2.  In  Heart,  to  possess  all  Christian  virtues. 

3.  In  Will,  to  face  all  danger  with  courage. 

4.  In  Talent :   eloquence,  the  gift  of  tongues, 

power  in  word  and  deed. 
S.Peter,  and  the  3,000  con  verts:  Acts  {{.41. 
S.  Peter,  and  the  lame  man :  Ibid.  iii.  7. 

b.  They  were  changed  to  other  men  : 

1.  Suddenly,  without  laborious  process. 

Which  is  easy  to  the  power  of  God. 

2.  Perfectly: 

a.  Men  now  according  to  God's  own  heart. 
/?.  Yet  not  dispensed  from  personal  care 

and  effort.     For, 
Virtue  needs  cultivating,  in  order  to 

fructify. 

c.  Thus  changed,  the  Apostles 

1.  Do  great  things  for  God,  throughout  the 

earth. 

2.  Persevere,  even  to  the  death  of  martyrdom. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  383 


How  we  must  receive  Him: 

i.  Poor  we  also  may  and  must  receive  the  same  Holy 
Spirit. 

a.  According   to   the   measure   of   the   giving   of 

Christ :  Eph.  iv.  7. 

b.  Measure    always    generous,    if    there    be    no 

obstacles  in  the  way. 

ii.  Like  the   Apostles,  though  with   accidental   differ- 
ences, e.g. 

a.  They  were  changed  suddenly :  we  slowly  and 

by  degrees. 

b.  They  received  Him  as  a  burning  flame :  we,  as 

a  spark  to  be  fanned. 

c.  To  them  He  was  as  a  fruit-laden  tree :  to  us,  as 

a  seed  to  be  cultivated, 
iii.  Like  the  Apostles,  by  preparing  ourselves :  e.g. 

a.  They  retired  to  an  upper  room  in  Jerusalem : 

Acts  i.  13. 

We  may  withdraw  awhile  into  solitude  and 
reflection. 

b.  They   were    persevering    in  prayer — the   first 

novena. 
We  must  earnestly  petition  the  Holy  Ghost. 

c.  Mary,  Mother  of  Jesus,  was  with  them :  Acts  i.  14. 

Let  us  offer  our  prayers  through  her. 
iv.  Manifesting  the  gifts  and  fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

"By  their  fruits  you  shall  know  them."     Mth.  vii.  20. 

As  worldlings  show  forth  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
v.  Remove   obstacles   to   the    presence   of    the    Holy 
Ghost :  e.g. 

a.  Dissipation  of  mind. 

b.  Attachment  to  earthly  things. 

c.  Contempt  of  things  divine. 

The  sensual  man  cannot  perceive  the  things 

of  God :   i  Cor.  ii.  14. 
vi.  The  greater  our  efforts  herein,  the  greater  the  fruit 

we  gain. 

Thus,  each  Whit  Sunday  truly  renews  the  first 
day  of  Pentecost. 


384  SERMON  PLANS 


192.     THE  GIFTS    OF    THE    HOLY   GHOST. 

"  The  Paraclete,  the  Holy  Ghost."    Jn.  xiv.  26. 

i.  On  Pentecost  the  Holy  Ghost  came  down  on  the 

Apostles, 
ii.  Each  year,  He  will  come  also  to  us,  if  prepared  for 

Him. 

iii.  Consider  the  Holy  Spirit  in  three  aspects,  with  His 
seven  gifts. 

I.  Spirit  of  Truth,  illuminating  the  INTELLECT  against 

error : 

i.  Knowledge  : 

a.  Discernment  of  temporal  things,  in  reference  to 

salvation. 

b.  Proper  use  of  creatures. 

c.  Predisposition  to  see  and  love  the  truth. 

d.  Through  lack  of  it,  scientists  deny  the  existence 

of  God. 

e.  Assistance  to  interpret  the  Law  of  God. 
ii.  Understanding : 

a.  Cures  our  ignorance  of  things  spiritual. 

b.  Power  of   penetrating  the  hidden  meaning  of 

mysteries. 
As  a  lens  to  the  eye,  in  Scriptures,  sermons,  etc. 

c.  Enables  Doctors  and  Teachers  to  defend  the 

Revelation  of  God. 

d.  Reduces  this  Revelation  to  a  science — Theology. 

Dogmatic  :  Moral :  Ascetic  :  Mystical. 
iii.  Wisdom : 

a.  Appreciation  of  heavenly  things. 

The  blossom  and  perfection  of  all  the  Gifts. 

b.  Influences     the    Intellect,    the    Passions,    the 

Affections. 

c.  Foundation  of  Fear,  without  which  it  has  no 

stability  :  Prov.  i.  7. 

II.  Spirit   of    Holiness,  cleansing    the   HEART    from 

corruption, 
iv.  Fear  of  God  : 

a.  Restrains  from  sinful  pleasure. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  385 


b.  Filial  and  reverential  towards  God,  as  a  Father. 

c.  Giving  a  hatred  and  horror  of  all  sin. 

As  in  S.  Alphonsus,  S.  Rose,  etc. 
v.  Piety : 

a.  Disposition  to  serve  God  with  tenderness  and 

devotion :  e.g. 
Tobias ;  the  Patriarchs. 

b.  A  help  to  the  practice  of  all  religious  duties. 

c.  Zeal  for  the  glory  of  God :  e.g. 

David  ;  Solomon  ;  Church  Ritual, 
vi.  Counsel : 

a.  Discernment    between    spiritual     and     carnal 

impulses. 

b.  Readiness  to  do  the  better  thing:  i  Cor.  vi.  12. 

In  Pleasure;  Church  services;  Use  of  time 
and  means. 

c.  Discretion. 

d.  Light  in  Confessors  to  distinguish  sin  from  sin. 

III.  Spirit  of  Strength,  inflaming  the  WILL  to  resist 
attack. 

vii.  Fortitude  : 

a.  Endurance  in  persecution,  penance,  poverty. 

b.  Firmness  against  evil. 

c.  Courage  before  the  World. 

d.  Perseverance  in  virtue. 

Lessons : 

i.  Seek  to  obtain  such  precious  and  necessary  Gifts, 
ii.  Only  pure  souls  can  receive  them.:;: 
iii.  Pray  the  Holy  Spirit  this  day  to  enkindle  them  in 

your  heart, 
iv.  Revive  your   fervour  on  the  anniversary  of  your 

Confirmation. 


*  When  the  body  of  the  Emperor  Caligula  was  being  cremated 
according  to  custom,  the  fire  seemed  unable  to  affect  the  heart,  which 
was  found  to  contain  a  certain  poison,  neutralizing  the  action  of  the 
fire  :  when  the  poison  was  extracted,  the  heart  was  consumed.  It  was 
not  the  fire  that  failed  :  all  depended  on  the  state  of  the  heart.  Wo  to 
us,  if  the  fire  of  the  Holy  Spirit  take  no  hold  on  us  !  The  poison  of 
sin  in  the  heart  can  alone  paralyze  that  divine  flame. — Suetonius. 


386  SERMON  PLANS 


193.     THE   BLESSED  TRINITY. 

"In  the  name  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 
Mth.  xxviii.  19. 

i.  The  Blessed  Trinity  the  deepest  of  all  mysteries, 
ii.  All  must  know  and  believe  it,  even  though  not  under- 
standing it. 
iii.  A  few  points  in  connection  with  it. 

The  Blessed  Trinity: 

i.  Three  divine  persons  in  one  God. 

a.  The  Father,  unbegotten  principle  of  the  other 

two. 

b.  The  Son,  begotten  of  the  Father  from  all  eternity. 

c.  The  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  both,  without 

succession  of  time. 

ii.  Only  obscurely  known  in  the  Old  Testament :  e.g. 
Gen.  iii.  22.     Because, 

a.  Its  clear  teaching  was   reserved   to   the   Son 

Incarnate. 

b.  The  New  Law  is  more  perfect  than  the  Old. 

c.  The  danger  of  polytheism  thus  removed  from 

the  Jews, 
iii.  Clearly  taught  in  the  New  Testament :  e.g. 

a.  In    Our   Lord's   command    to    baptize :    Mth. 

xxviii.  19. 

b.  At  His  own  Baptism:  Mth.  iii.  16,  17. 

c.  Our  Lord's  promise  of  the  Paraclete:  Jn.xiv.  16. 

d.  The  triple  testimony  :  i  Jn.  v.  7. 
iv.  Taught  by  the  Church  : 

a.  In  her  Creeds  and  symbols  of  Faith. 

b.  In  the  administration  of  the  Sacraments. 

c.  In  the  Doxology,  and  Sign  of  the  Cross. 

d.  In  her  condemnation  of  heresy  on  the  point. 

e.  By  the  Fathers  and  Holy  Writers, 
v.  Necessary  to  be  known  : 

a.  It  is  one  of  the  four  Great  Truths.     Moreover, 

b.  It  is  fitting  we  should  know  here  the  object  of 

our  future  joy. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  387 


c.  Without  it,  our  knowledge  of  the  Redemption 

must  be  imperfect. 

d.  It  makes  us  humble,  through  knowledge  of  God's 

infinite  perfections, 
vi.  Model  of  the  duties  we  owe  to : 

a.  God: 

1.  The  Blessed  Trinity  is  for  ever  holy. 

2.  To  adore  God  worthily,  we  must  be  holy. 

"  Be  holy,  because  I  am  holy."     Lev.  xi.  44. 

3.  There  is  no  holiness  we  may  not  attain  to 

by  grace. 

b.  Our  neighbour  : 

1.  The  Blessed  Trinity  is  the  essence  of  love. 

2.  To  fulfil  the  Law,  we  must  also  love  our 

neighbour  :  Jn.  xiii.  35. 

3.  Zeal  for  souls,  stamped  with  the  image  of 

the  Trinity. 
War-cry  of  S.  Francis.* 

c.  Ourselves : 

1.  The  Blessed  Trinity  is  the  perfection  of 

self-respect. 

2.  Each  one  may  say:  "  I  am  the  image  of  the 

Trinity." 

3.  Hence  respect  for  that  image  in  our  souls, 

which  sin  destroys. 

Lessons : 

i.  Gratitude  to  the  Blessed  Trinity :  viz. 

a.  Father,  for  creating  us  in  preference  to  so  many 

others. 

b.  Son,  for  redeeming  our  souls  from  sin. 

c.  Holy  Ghost,  for  sanctifying  us  by  His  grace. 

ii.  Observe  the  Sunday,  day  sacred  to  the  Triune  God. 
iii.  Say  or  sing  the  Gloria  Patri  with  fervour  and  love. 


*  Nothing  more  famous  than  the  words  of  S.  Francis  Xavier  ; 
"O  most  holy  Trinity,"  by  which  he  excited  himself  to  the  gigantic 
war  against  paganism  in  India.  When  he  considered  the  image  of  the 
Blessed  Trinity  disfigured  by  sin  in  the  souls  of  men,  nothing  could 
stay  his  zeal  in  endeavouring  to  repair  it  by  instruction,  penance  and 
Baptism. — Gaume. 


388  SERMON   PLANS 

194.     MERCIFULNESS. 

"  Be  ye  merciful."     Lke.  vi.  36. 

i.  God    is    charity,   and   the   whole   Christian    law   is 

Charity  :  Rom.  xiii.  10. 
ii.  To  appreciate  its  value,  consider  some  motives  for 

practising  it. 
iii.  Mercifulness  is  strongly  commended  by 

I.  The  voice  of  Nature  itself: 

i.  When  you  meet  a  poor  man,  the  voice  of  nature  tells 

you  he  is  a  brother, 
ii.  When   you  see  a  rich  man  generous,  does  he  not 

appear  worthy  of  praise  ? 
iii.  When  you  find  a  rich  man  miserly,  do  you  not  think 

him  most  worthy  of  blame  ? 
iv.  When  you   find  all  Nature  bestowing  its  gifts  on 

you,   have   you   not  an  interior   feeling  that  you 

should  do  in  like  manner  ? 
v.  This  is  the  voice  of  nature  and  conscience,  dictating 

Charity  to  you. 

II.  The  voice  of  God : 

i.  The  words  of  Scripture : 

"Thou   shall   not    harden  thy  heart,  nor   close    thy  hand." 

Deut.  xv.  7. 
"  Beware  lest  thou  turn  away  thy  eyes  from  thy  poor  brother." 

Ibid.  9. 

"  Blessed  are  the  merciful."     Mth.  v.  7. 
"  Be  ye  merciful,  as  your  Father  also  is  merciful."   Lke.  vi.  36. 

ii.  Examples: 

God's  early  promise  of  a  Redeemer  :  Gen.  iii.  15. 
His  miracles  in  Egypt  and  the  Desert. 
Our  Lord's  miracles  among  His  people. 
God's  daily  Providence  ruling  the  world. 
His  readiness  to  receive  and  pardon  sinners, 
iii.  God  is  the  father  and  the  friend  of  the  poor  and 
needy. 

III.  The  Fathers  and  the  Saints: 

i.  All  the  Fathers  repeat  and   develop  the  words  of 
Christ:  "Give  alms."     Lke.  xii.  33. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  389 


ii.  The   Saints    dnd    holy   men    ever    put    them    into 

practice:  e.g. 
Tobias  i.  20. 

Cornelius,  the  centurion  :  Acts  x.  2. 
S.  John,  the  Almoner :  Jan.  23. 
S.  Elizabeth,  her  alms  turning  to  roses :  Jly.  8. 
S.  Vincent  of  Paul :  Jly.  19. 

iii.  Charity  in  its  varied  forms,  a  characteristic  of  all  the 
Saints.* 

IV.  Its  own  excellence : 

"  Fasting  is  as  silver,  but  charity  as  gold." 
i.  The  charitable  man  is  like  to  the  Angels,  or  even  to 

God  Himself, 
ii.  He  that  has  mercy  on  the  poor  lends  to  the  Lord : 

Prov.  xix.  17. 
iii.  Whoso  gives  to  the  poor  gives  to  Christ :  Mth.  xxv.  40. 

V.  Its  fruits: 

i.  It  draws  down  divine  blessings  both  in  time   and 
eternity. 

ii.  It  blots  out  sin:  Prov.  x.  12. 

iii.  The  source  of  gladness  and  joy  of  heart. 

iv.  The  seed  of  great  future  reward. 

The  cup  of  cold  water :  Mth.  x.  42. 

v.  The  pledge  of  a  happy  death  and  favourable  judg- 
ment. 

VI.  Its  very  necessity: 

i.  Charity  and  mercy  commanded  of  God :  Lke.  vi.  36. 
ii.  Why  are  so  many  souls  lost  ?     Through  lack  of  it ! 

"  I  was  hungry,  and  you  gave  Me  not  to  eat."     Mth.  xxv.  42. 
iii.  God's  mercy  is  necessary  for  us : 

"  Blessed    are  the   merciful,  for   they  shall    obtain  mercy." 

Mth.  v.  7. 
"Judgment  without  mercy  to  him  that  hath  not  done  mercy." 

Jas.  ii.  13. 

iv.  The    rich     shall     be    saved    through     almsdeeds : 

Lke.  xvi.  9. 
See  here  food  for  reflection  and  self-examination  ! 

*  There  is  no  sentence  so  much  abused,  as  "  Charity  begins  at 
home  " — the  favourite  apothegm  of  the  hard-hearted  and  penurious,  who 
employ  it  as  an  excuse  for  their  want  of  generosity,  and  as  a  cloak  fof 
selfishness, 


390  SERMON  PLANS 


195.    EFFECTS  OF   HOLY  COMMUNION. 

"My  flesh  is  meat  .   .  .  My  blood  is  drink."    Jn.  vi.  56. 

i.  This   most    beautiful    Feast,   to    honour  the  ever 

blessed  Sacrament, 
ii.  Consider  some  of  its  effects,  in  those  who  worthily 

receive  it :  it  is 

I.  The  life  of  our  souls.    Jn.  vi.  58. 

i.  Divine  grace  the  supernatural  life  of  the  soul. 

Figure  of   this  bread  of   life:  the  tree  of  life  in 

Eden :  Gen.  ii.  9. 
ii.  The  Holy  Eucharist  gives  sanctifying  grace  like  all 

the  Sacraments. 

iii.  Its  sacramental    grace  is  special    help  to  live  by 
Christ,  by 

a.  Weakening  concupiscence. 

b.  Cooling  the  passions,  sanctifying  body  and  soul. 

c.  Giving  spiritual  joy  and  piety. 

d.  Producing   a  likeness   to   Christ,  in  humility, 

meekness,  etc. 
iv.  Because  it  is  our  life,  we  are  bound  to  receive  it. 

II.  The  food  of  our  souls : 

i.  Figure  of  this  spiritual  food,  the  Manna :  Ex.  xvi.  15. 
The  Manna :  The  Holy  Eucharist : 

a.  Was      food       for  a.  Is  spiritual  food  to 

the  body.  the  soul. 

b.  Fell       from       the  b.  Our     Lord     came 

clouds.  from  Heaven. 

Pattern  de  calo  prastitisti  eis. 

c.  Was      for     God's  c.  Only  for  members 

people  only.  of  the  Church. 

d.  Had  every  taste.  d.  Contains  all  graces. 

Omne  delcctamentiim  in  se  habentem. 

e.  Fell    only    in    the  t.  Only    during    our 

desert.  sojourn  on  earth. 

/.  Ceased  in  the  land  /.  Will  cease  in  Hea- 

of  promise.  ven,  our  home, 

ii.  Because  our  food,  we  are  bound  to  receive  it. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  391 


III.  Strength  in  temptation: 

i.  The  destroying  angel  spared  the  houses  marked  with 

the  blood  of  the  Lamb :  Ex.  xii.  23. 
ii.  The  devil  loses  power  over  souls,  sprinkled  with  the 

blood  of  Christ, 
iii.  Holy  Communion  does  not  remove  temptation,  but 

gives  strength  to  resist, 
iv.  The  world   is   as   a   fire,   and   a   very   network   of 

temptation. 
The  children  in  the  fiery  furnace :  Dan.  iii. 

IV.  Union  with  Our  Lord; 

"He  abideth  in  Me  and  I  in  him."     Jn.  vi.  57. 

i.  Illustrated  by  the  blending  of  two  pieces  of  wax. 
ii.  Thus  our  acts  become  of  great  merit,  done  in  union 

with  Christ, 
iii.  This  union  intensifies  the  reality  of  our  relationship 

to  Mary, 
iv.  Friendship  rests  on  ties  of  blood,  or  of  spirit. 

a.  In  the  Incarnation,  Our  Lord  is  united  in  blood 

to  the  human  race. 

b.  In   the  Eucharist,  He  is   united   spiritually  to 

individual  souls. 
v.  Who  could  believe  it,  did  not  Truth  itself  so  declare  it. 

V.  Germ  of  Glory: 

"  I  will  raise  him  up  in  the  last  day."     Jn.  vi.  55. 

i.  By  worthy  Communion, 

a.  The  soul  grows  in  grace,  the  seed  of    glory ; 

b.  The  body  becomes  part  of   Christ's,  to  which 

glory  is  due :  Eph.  v.  30. 
ii.  The  Eucharist  gives  right  and  title  to  a  glorious 

resurrection, 
iii.  Hence  the  Church's  anxiety  as  to  First  Communion. 

What  powerful  motives  to  make  us  value  Holy  Com- 
munion, and  lead  us  to  receive  it  frequently  and 
worthily  ! 


39*  SERMON   PLANS 


196.     THE   REAL   PRESENCE. 

"  This  is  the  bread  that  came  down  from  Heaven."    Jn.  vi.  59. 

i.  For  nineteen  centuries  the  Church  has  ever  taught 

the  Real  Presence, 
ii.  To-day  a  suitable  occasion  to  examine  this  doctrine. 

Taught  by  Our  Lord: 

i.  After  feeding  the  multitude  He  begins  to  unfold  this 
dogma :  Jn.  vi.  48 — 67. 

a.  Herein  He  refers  to  the  wondrous  Manna. 

Of  this  we  know  the  various  qualities,  etc. 

b.  He    then    declares   He    will    give    something 

greater. 
Any  bread   surpassing  the  Manna  must   be 

wondrous  indeed ! 

ii.  His  future  gift  was  not  to  be  inert,  but  living  bread. 
He  frequently  asserts  it  to  be  His  own  flesh  and 

blood. 

iii.  The  Jews  found  this  hard  to  accept,  and  many  left 
Him  :  Jn.  vi.  53,  67. 

a.  Apart  from  charity,  honesty  required  Our  Lord 

to  correct  them,  if  they  misunderstood  Him. 

b.  Yet  He  only  insists  the  more,  on  what  He  had 

said  :  Jn.  vi.  54. 

c.  He  would  not  allow  the  Apostles  to  be  misled, 

on  a  doctrine,   He  commissioned  them  to 
preach  to  the  world. 

d.  They  understand  Him  literally,  and  He  corrects 

them  not. 
iv.  Nicodemus  misunderstood  the  question  of  Baptism  : 

a.  Our   Lord    at    once    removes    the    difficulty : 

Jn.  iii.  4,  5. 

b.  But  He  leaves  the  Apostles  their  interpretation 

as  to  this  mystery. 

v.  We   therefore   take   the   Real    Presence   to   be   the 
teaching  of  Our  Lord  Himself. 

Seen  in  the  Institution  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament : 
i.  The  promise  made  at  Capharnaum,  realized  later  in 
Jerusalem. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  393 


ii.  Four  inspired  writers  record  its  fulfilment :  viz. 
Mth.  xxvi.  26 — 28.  Lke.  xxii.  19,  20. 

Mrk.  xiv.  22 — 24.  i  Cor.  xi.  23 — 25. 

iii.  Their  words  clear,  as  to  essentials  to  be  accepted 
literally. 

a.  They  are  unanimous  in  declaring  the  Institution. 

b.  They  say  the  Holy  Eucharist  contains  the  Body 

and  Blood   of  Christ,  as  they  were  on  the 
Cross. 

c.  On  the  Cross  they  were  real ;  real  therefore  on 

the  Altar. 

iv.  Why  should  God  depart  from  the  usual  literal  sense 
in  this  great  Sacrament,  using  it  in  the  ordinances 
of  the  Old  and  New  Law  ? 

v.  Our  Lord  spoke  to  the  Apostles  only,  at  the  last 
supper. 

a.  To  them  He  declared  His  doctrines  clearly  : 

Mrk.  iv.  ii. 

b.  This  Sacrament  was  His  last  will  and  testament. 

c.  Men  speak  seriously  in  such  circumstances. 

Seen  from  Tradition : 

i.  The  Apostles  understood  our  Lord's  doctrine. 

Their  writings  show  it :  e.g.  i  Cor.  x.  16  ;  xi.  27. 
ii.  The  Liturgies  they  drew  up  for  their  churches  show 

perfect  accordance  as  to  this  doctrine, 
iii.  Prescription  is  in  its  favour,  it  having  never  been 

really  denied  till  the  i6th  c.,  and  held  ever  since, 
iv.  The  Fathers  of  the  Church 

a.  Contrast  the  types  of  the  Old  Law  with  this 

reality  of  the  New. 

b.  Explain  this  spiritual  food  to  be  no  cannibal 

banquet. 

c.  Enlarge  on  the  great  miracle  of  Consecration. 

d.  Often  assume  the  doctrine,  where  not  expressly 

stated. 

Lessons  I  Prove  your  faith  in  the  Real  Presence,  by 
i.  Humble  genuflexion,  and  devout  attitude  before  It. 
ii.  The  spirit  of  reparation  and  thanksgiving. 
iii.  Adorning  the  Church  and  Altar,  where  It  resides, 
iv.  Approaching  worthily  the  holy  Table. 


394  SERMON  PLANS 


197.     EXCUSES   AGAINST   COMMUNION. 

"They  began  to  make  excuse."     Lke.  xiv.  18. 
i.  The  guests  of  the  parable  excused  themselves  from 

their  invitation, 
ii.  How  often  do  men  imitate  them  in  regard  to  the 

banquet  of  Holy  Communion  ! 

iii.  Consider  some  of  their  excuses,  and  see  how  false 
they  are. 

I.  Fear  of  bad  Communion: 

i.  Fear  is  certainly  good  and  wholesome :  it  is  even 

necessary  to  us. 
This  very  fear,  if  genuine,  will  secure  you  against 

such  evil.     But, 
ii.  Love   is  better,  and   more   pleasing  to  the  Friend 

inviting  us. 
iii.  He   humbles  Himself  under  the  form  of  bread,  to 

draw  and  attract. 

As  once  under  the  form  of  a  Babe,  in  Bethlehem, 
iv.  Fear  rather  to  stay  away  and  refuse  His  gift.      For, 
v.  Such    refusal    is    threatened    with    eternal    death : 

Jn.  vi.  54. 

vi.  Fear  of  such  sort  is  not  humble,  and  is  not  according 
to  God. 

II.  Fear  of  Familiarity : 

i.  Truly,  familiarity  is  apt  to  breed  contempt.     But, 
ii.  To  know  God  well  is  to  love  Him  more, 
iii.  What  blasphemy  to  think,  that 

a.  Approaching  God  will  make  you  wicked  ;  or, 

b.  Absence    from     God    will     advance     you     in 

holiness ! 
iv.  Would  God's  Church  command  what  is  wrong  ? 

a.  The  early  Christians  communicated  almost  daily. 

b.  The  Council  of  Trent  and  the  Saints  recom- 

mend it  still. 
v.  Do  you  miss  Mass,  or  daily  Prayers,  through  fear  of 

familiarity  ? 

Faith,    Love,    Humility  have    here    their    fullest 
scope. 

III.  No  devotion  in  Communion  I 

i.  To  have  devotion,  and  to  feel  it,  are  not  the  same. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  395 


a.  Genuine  devotion  is  often  not  felt. 

b.  Sensible  devotion  is  not  necessary,  and  is  often 

delusive. 

c.  Otherwise   how  many  would  communicate   at 

Easter  ? 

ii.  True  devotion  lies  in  humility,  confidence  and  love, 
iii.  Sensible  sweetness  sometimes  follows  Communion, 

as  an  effect. 

iv.  The  more  you  eat  of  this  Bread  worthily,  the  greater 
will  be  your  desire  of  it.* 

IV.  Utter  unworthiness : 

i.  God  knows  this,  yet  He  bids  us  receive  Him ! 

a.  Will  you  wait  till  you  sin  no  more  ? 

b.  To  feel  unworthiness  is  a  good  preparation. 

ii.  No  mortal   being  has   ever  been  worthy  of  Com- 
munion, 
iii.  Our  Lord  ate  with  sinners : 

a.  He   came  on  earth   for  the  sick,  not   for  the 

healthy. 

b.  Medicine  is  for  the  ailing,  not  for  the  strong, 
iv.  The   more  imperfections  we  have,  the  greater  our 

need  of  Communion, 
v.  Sincere   sorrow  and   confession  will   remove  guilty 

unworthiness. 
vi.  Each  good  Communion  will  help  to  diminish  your 

unworthiness. 

Lessons : 

i.  See  the  wiles  of  Satan  ! 

a.  He  made  Adam  eat  the  fruit  of  death,  in  hope 

of  life. 

b.  He  deters  men  from  this  bread  of  life,  through 

fear  of  death. 

ii.  But  these  excuses  are  vain  and  often  insincere.  For, 
iii.  The   real  cause    for   staying   from    Communion   is 

usually  attachment  to  some  sin  or  failing, 
iv.  Guard   against  this  evil,  and    Communion  will   be 

profitable  to  you. 

*  Corporal  pleasures,  when  not  obtained,  create  a  desire  to  have 
them,  but  once  possessed  produce  satiety.  Spiritual  delights,  before 
they  are  known,  are  not  desired,  but  when  enjoyed,  make  the  soul  long 
for  more. — .S".  Gregory. 


396  SERMON   PLANS 


198.    THE   HOLY   MASS. 

i.  From  the  beginning,  Sacrifice  ever  the  essence  of 

Religion. 

Act  testifying  to  the  supreme  dominion  of  God. 
ii.  The  Sacrifice  of  the  New  Law  is  the  Holy  Mass. 
A  continuation  and   renewal  of  the  Sacrifice  of 

Calvary. 

iii.  During  this  octave,  consider  the  Holy  Eucharist  as 
a  Sacrifice. 

Holy  Mass : 

i.  A  true  sacrifice :  because 

a.  There  is  a  victim  : 

1.  The  invisible  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ. 

2.  Under  the  visible   forms  of    Bread    and 

Wine. 

b.  There  is  a  lawful  minister. 

1.  Jesus  Christ,  the  invisible  High  Priest. 

2.  Visible  priest  ordained  to  this  end ;  for 

The    outward     act     requires    a    visible 
minister. 

c.  It  is  offered  to  God  alone. 

1.  Never  to  Saints  or  Angels. 

2.  Though  often  in  their  honour. 

d.  Acknowledging  God's  dominion  over  us. 

1.  By  the  mystical  destruction  of  the  victim. 

Represented  in  the  two-fold  consecration. 

2.  Hence  two  species   are   required   for  the 

Sacrifice. 

Though  one  alone  suffices  for  the  Sacra- 
ment. 

ii.  The  clean  oblation  spoken  of  by  Malachy  i.  n. 
iii.  Applying  to  our  souls  the  merits  of  Christ's  death, 
for  Mass  is 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  397 


The  continuation  of  the  Sacrifice  of  Calvary :  because 
i.  The  Victim  is  the  same, 
ii.  The  Priest  is  the  same. 

iii.  God,  to  whom  it  is  offered,  is  the  same  eternal  Father, 
iv.  The  manner  of  offering  is  alone  different :  e.g. 

a.  On  the  Cross,  Our  Lord  was  a  bleeding  victim. 

On   the   altar,   offered   in   an   unbloody   and 
mystical  form. 

b.  On  the  Cross,  Christ  offered  Himself  in  person. 

On  the  altar,  through  the  ministry  of  another. 

c.  On  the  Cross,  He  offered  Himself  once  only. 

On  the  altar,  daily,  till  the  end  of  time, 
v.  The  Ends  of  the  Mass  are  also  the  same,  viz. : 

a.  Adoration  of  the  Divine  Majesty. 

b.  Thanksgiving  for  mercies  of  the  past. 

c.  Satisfaction  and  atonement  for  sin. 

d.  Petitions  for  blessings,  spiritual  and  temporal. 

The  four  duties  man  owes  to  God. 
Lessons : 

i.  Mass  being  the  highest  form  of  worship,  the  Faithful 
are  required  to  assist  at  it  on  Sundays  and  Holy- 
days, 
ii.  Never    omit    so    grave    a    duty,    except    through 

necessity, 
iii.  Hear  it  also,  as  an  act  of  devotion,  on  other  occasions. 

S.  Isidore.* 
iv.  Ever  hear  it  with 

a.  Lively  Faith. 

b.  Fervour  of  Devotion. 

c.  Special  Intention. 

v.  Love  and  beautify  the  House  of  God,  where  such 
sacrifice  is  offered. 

*  S.  Isidore  contrived  to  get  to  Mass  every  day,  though  he  had 
much  to  endure  to  do  so  from  his  employer,  a  Spanish  farmer. 
A  graceful  legend  says  that  one  morning,  while  he  was  at  Mass,  his 
master  found  two  oxen,  guided  by  an  angel  drawing  the  plough  through 
the  fields.  Henceforth  his  employer  encouraged  Isidore  to  go  to  Mass, 
thanking  God  for  giving  him  one  who  brought  Heaven's  blessing  on 
the  farm. — His  Life,  May  10. 


398  SERMON  PLANS 


199.      THE   HUMAN   SOUL. 

"  Doth  he  not  go  after  that  which  was  lost  ?  "    Lke.  xv.  4. 
i.  The  lost  sheep  of   the  parable   is  a  figure  of  the 

soul  lost  in  sin. 
ii.  Our  Lord  came  to  redeem  our  souls,  at  a  great  cost 

to  Himself, 
iii.  They  must  then  be  of  great  value  and  worthy  of 

consideration, 
iv.  Consider  therefore  to-day  the 

Nature  of  the  Soul : 

i.  The  superior  part  of  man. 
ii.  United  during  life  to  a  body. 
iii.  Though    separated    in   death,   destined   for   eternal 

reunion  later  on. 
iv.  Made  to  the  likeness  of  God  :  e.g. 

a.  God  is  a  spirit :  so  too  is  the  soul. 

b.  God  is  the  life  of  the  universe :  as  the  soul  is 

of  the  body. 

c.  God  sees  and  knows  all :  the  soul  sees  and  hears 

all  around  it. 

d.  God  is  everywhere :  the  soul  is  present  in  the 

whole  body. 

e.  God  is  one  in  three :  the  one  soul  has  three 

faculties. 

/.  God  is  eternal :  the  soul  is  immortal, 
v.  Nothing  in  Creation  equals  the  beauty  of  a  soul  in 

grace. 
S.  Catherine's  vision.* 

Dignity  of  the  Soul :  seen 
i.  In  this  real  likeness  to  its  Creator, 
ii.  In  the  cost  of  its  Redemption  after  the  Fall. 

a.  God  did  not  give  the  earth,  or  the  stars  for  its 

purchase.     But, 

b.  He  sent  His  only  Son  to  die  for  it.     Truly  then, 
"You  are  bought  with  a  great  price."     I  Cor.  vi.  20. 

iii.  It  is  the  temple  of  the  living  God !   i  Cor.  iii.  16. 
iv.  Its  future  destiny :  to  dwell  with  God  eternally. 

a.  It  is  an  honour  to  live  in  the  courts  of  kings. 

b.  What  dignity,  then,  to  serve  before  the  throne 

of  God ! 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  399 


Value  of  the  Soul : 

i.  Its  immortality,  as  shown  by 

a.  The  general  law  of    Nature,   that  nothing   is 

annihilated. 

b.  Man's  innate  desire  of  continued  existence. 

c.  The  universal  belief  of  mankind,  even  among 

Pagans. 

d.  The    impunity  of    sin    here    requiring  future 

retribution. 

e.  Texts  of  Holy  Scripture :  e.g. 

"  These  shall  go  into  everlasting  punishment. "  Mth.  xxv.  46. 
ii.  We  have  but  one  soul : 

If  this  be  lost,  it  is  lost  for  ever,  and  all  is  lost.f 
iii.  The   Devil's   jealousy   and   hatred   of    it   show    its 
value. 

Hence  :  save  your  soul,  no  matter  what  the  cost.:): 

i.  Ask  the  aid   of  God   in  so  important  a  task,  like 

S.  Philip  Neri. 
ii.  Be  humble,  imitating   Our  Lord's   Sacred    Heart: 

Mth.  xi.  29. 
iii.  Keep  a  custody  over  the  senses,  against  occasions 

of  sin. 

iv.  Practise  some  degree  of  mortification, 
v.  Devotion  to  Our  Lady,  a  pledge  of  salvation, 
vi.  All  this  explains  the  zeal  of  Saints  for  the  salvation 

of  Souls. 


*  S.  Catherine  of  Siena  was  permitted  once  to  see  the  state  of  a 
soul  in  grace,  and  declared  thai  nothing  she  could  think  of  on  this 
earth  was  in  any  way  comparable  to  its  beauty,  so  dazzling  and  over- 
powering, that  she  could  not  have  lived  under  it,  except  that  God 
specially  supported  her. — Her  Life:  Apl.  30. 

\  God  has  given  us  two  eyes,  two  ears,  etc.  so  that  if  one  be  lost 
or  injured  we  can  live  and  act  with  the  other.  \Ve  have  however  only 
one  soul,  and  if  that  be  lost,  how  can  we  live  with  God  in  eternity  ? 
— S.John  Chrys. 

%  The  Emperor  Otto  went  to  visit  a  hermit  of  renowned  sanctity. 
Requested  by  the  Emperor  to  ask  for  anything  he  wished,  he  replied  : 
"  All  I  ask  you  is  that  you  save  your  soul  :  Emperor  as  you  are,  you 
must  die  like  other  men  ;  therefore  take  care  of  your  soul,  save  your 
soul."  Otto  withdrew,  and  ever  afterwards  remembered  this  advice 
to  the  end  of  his  days. — Lives  of  the  SS. 

AA 


400  SERMON  PLANS 


200.     THE  SACRED   HEART. 

i.  To-day  we  honour  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus. 

This  honour,  the  devotion  of  these  latter  times, 
ii.  Consider  the  foundation  of  it,  viz.  the  Incarnation. 
For,  dogma  is  the  true  basis  of  all  devotion. 

The  Incarnation: 

i.  The  Son  of  God  taking  to  Himself  the  nature  of 
man. 

a.  A  real  human  body  and  soul.     But, 

b.  Without  sin  or  concupiscence. 

ii.  Not,  conversion  of  the  flesh  into  the  Godhead, 
iii.  Not,  the  fusion  of  the  two  natures  into  a  third  one. 
iv.  But,  the  assumption  of  our  humanity  by  the  Person 
of  the  Son  of  God. 

a.  The  human  and  divine  natures  are  thus  united, 

yet  remain  distinct. 

b.  As  gold  and  iron  melted  together  remain  two 

distinct  metals. 
v.  Hence,  the  face  and  Heart  of  Jesus  were  the  face 

and  Heart  of  God. 

vi.  Once  united,  the  two  natures  will  never  more  be 
separated ;  hence, 

a.  Our  Lord's  Body  in  the  tomb  was  worthy  of 

adoration. 

b.  His  physical  Heart,  in  like  manner. 

Not  as  mere  flesh,  but  as  hypostatically  united 
to  the  Divinity. 

The  Heart  singled  out  for  devotion : 

i.   The  heart  is  usually  taken  as  the  symbol  of  the 

affections : 

We  speak  of  men  as  hard-hearted,  etc. 
So  the  Heart  of  Christ  symbolizes  His  exceeding 

love  for  man. 

ii.  He  showed  His  Heart  to  Mgt.  Mary  Alacoque,  iyth  c. 
Commanding  her  to  obtain  for  It  love  and  honour 

from  men. 
iii.  Devotion  to  the  Sacred  Heart  implies 

a.  Gratitude  for  the  love  of  Jesus  for  us. 

b.  Veneration  for  this  Model  of  all  the  Virtues. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  401 


c.   Our    efforts    to    transform    ourselves    into   Its 
likeness. 

Means  of  conformity  with  the  Sacred  Heart : 

i.  Fidelity  to  Baptismal  Grace  : 

a.  Hence  should  parents  watch  over  their  children. 

1 .  To  train  them  in  the  knowledge  and  love  of 

God. 

2.  To  accustom  them  to  obedience,  etc. 

3.  To  guard  them  against  all  danger  of  sin. 

4.  To  give  them  good  example  in  everything. 

b.  Many,  perhaps   most,  Saints    have    had    holy 

mothers. 
Early  care  preserved  them  their  innocence. 

c.  Souls  innocent  of  evil  have  a  special  affinity  to 

the  Sacred  Heart. 

In  them  is  a  perpetual  growth  in  the  spiritual  life, 
ii.  Frequent  Confession  : 

a.  Why  does  the  world  hate  the  Confessional  ? 

Because  it  fears  to  lay  open  the  heart  with  all 
its  stains. 

b.  But  the  innocent  fear  it  not,  though  conscious 

of  many  frailties. 

c.  Sinners  break  the  Law,  then  defer  their  Confes- 

sion. 

d.  But  those  who   strive  to   observe  it  love  this 

Sacrament  of  mercy. 
Some  of  the  Saints  received  it  even  every  day ! 

e.  Thus  are  we  enabled  to  resemble  somewhat  the 

Sacred  Heart, 
iii.  1'yayer : 

a.  Man  rises  to  spiritual  things  by 

1.  His    Intellect:    to    know   God    and    His 

perfections. 

2.  His  Heart :  to  love  God  and  His  goodness. 

3.  His  Will :  to  obey  God  and  His  Law. 

b.  Prayer   and  Meditation  effect  within  us  some 

likeness  to  the  Sacred  Heart. 

These,  in  brief  outline,  are  some  ways  of 
i.  Advancing  in  the  love  of  Jesus, 
ii.  Doing  honour  to  His  most  Sacred  Heart. 


4oa  SERMON   PLANS 


201.      INSTITUTION    OF   THE   CHURCH. 

"Thou  art  Peter  .  .  .  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail." 
Mth.  xvi.  iS. 

i.  Words  addressed  to  S.  Peter  in  reward  of  his  pro- 
fession of  faith:  Mth.  xvi.  16. 

ii.  They  show  us  Our  Lord's  institution  of  the  Church, 
iii.  Consider  them  on  this  feast-day  of  the  Apostle. 

Thou  art  Peter: 

i.  Peter  (Greek)  means  a  rock. 

ii.  God,  in  changing  a  name,  denotes  future  office :  t.g. 
Abram  (great  father)  to  Abraham  (father  of  multi- 
tudes) :  Gen.  xvii.  5. 
Bar  Jona  (son  of  John)  to  Cephas,  or  Peter  (rock): 

Jn.  i.  42. 

iii.  Hence  the  successors  of  S.  Peter  change  their  name 
on  their  election  :  e.g.  Sarto  to  Pius  X. 

The  Gates  of  Hell: 

i.  Formerly,  gates  of  Oriental  cities  were  important 

places. 

ii.  There,  were  held  assemblies,  markets,  courts,  etc. 
iii.  Often  they  were  strongly  fortified. 

Hence  symbolical  of  power  and  importance, 
iv.  The  gates  of  hell  thus  mean 

a.  The  evil  spirits,  and  their  mighty  influences. 

b.  The  passions  of  men,  scandals,  persecutions,  etc. 

Words  of  a  revolutionary.* 

Shall  not  prevail: 

i.  Shall  never  overcome  or  destroy  the  Church, 
ii.  Nor  frustrate  her  in  her  mission — the  salvation  of 

souls, 
iii.  On  the  contrary,  the  Church  shall  prevail 

a.  Against  error :  Arianism,  Protestantism,  etc. 

b.  Against  persecutors:  Nero,  Diocletian,  Bismarck, 
iv.  Words  of  encouragement  to  us  amid  the  Church's 

trials;  for 


ON  THE  GOSPELS 


403 


a.  Christ  assists  the   Church  to  the   end  :    Mth. 

xxviii.  20. 

b.  The  Holy  Ghost  guides  and  sustains  her  supreme 

Head. 

Keys  of  the  Kingdom :  denoting 

i.  Power  and  authority :  "  the  keys  of  office." 

a.  Who  holds  the  keys  is  master  of  the  place. 

b.  Custom  in  war,  to  hand  the  keys  of  the  town  to 

the  conqueror. 

Calais  to  Edward  III.  in  1347. 
ii.  Power  to  dispense  the  treasures  of  the  Kingdom  :  e.g. 

a.  Grace,  through  the  sacraments. 

b.  Indulgences,  or  remission  of  temporal  punishment, 
iii.  Power    of     Orders    (priesthood)    and     Jurisdiction 

(authority). 

Hence  S.  Peter  represented  as  holding  two  keys, 
iv.  The  three-fold  office  of  the  Church,  viz. : 

a.  Teaching  office : 

1.  To  preach  the  divine  doctrine. 

2.  To  condemn  the  false,  and  decide  contro- 

versies. 

b.  Priestly  office : 

1.  To  offer  the  Holy  Sacrifice. 

2.  To  administer  the  Sacraments. 

3.  To  bless  and  consecrate. 

c.  Pastoral  office : 

1.  To  rule  the  Faithful. 

2.  To  legislate  and  punish. 

Heaven : 

i.  Referring  to  things  strictly  spiritual, 
ii.  To  things  temporal,  indirectly  only,  and  as  affecting 

spirituals, 
iii.  Worldly  goods,  etc.  not  included  in  the  promise :  on 

the  contrary:  Mth.  v.  n. 

Pray  God  to  bless  and  prosper  His  Church,  and  make  it 
spread  through  the  world. 

*  A  leader  in  the  French  Revolution,  seeing  the  churches  pillaged 
and  the  priests  slaughtered  or  exiled,  cried  out  :  "  All's  going  well  :  if 
the  Church  survives  this,  I'll  become  a  Catholic  myself."  The  Church 
did  survive,  as  we  all  know,  but  he  didn't  live  to  see  it,  for  he  fell  a 
victim  to  other  revolutionaries. — Mb-ault. 


404  SERMON   PLANS 


202.     INFALLIBILITY   OF   THE    POPE. 

i.  A  doctrine,  prominent  in  these  days,  connected  with 

the  Feast  of  S.  Peter. 

ii.  Always  and  ever  part  of  the  deposit  of  Faith, 
iii.  Great  misconceptions  prevail  on  the  subject :  hence 
the  importance  of  it. 

Infallibility  of  the  Pope: 
i.  Does  not  mean 

a.  Inerrancy,  or  inability  to  believe  what  is  wrong. 

b.  Impeccability,  or  inability  to  do  what  is  wrong. 

The  Pope  is  mortal,  like  ourselves, 
ii.  Does  mean 

c.  Inability  to  err  in  Faith  and  Morals,  as  supreme 

teacher  of  the  Faithful. 
Conditions  for  Infallibility: 

i.  As  "  Pastor  and  Doctor  of  all  Christians." 

a.  The  Pope  must  speak,  as  Head  of  the  Uni- 

versal Church. 

b.  Not 

1.  As  a  private  person:  e.g.  speaking  to  one 

or  several. 

2.  As  an  individual  Bishop :  e.g.  preaching  in 

a  Church. 

3.  As   a   private   theologian :    e.g.   writing   a 

treatise.     But, 

c.  In  his  official  capacity  :  ex  cathedra. 
ii.  Defining  some  doctrine 

a.  Of  Faith,  revelation  from  God  to  be  believed 

by  all ;  or, 

b.  Of  Morals,  law  of  God  to  be  obeyed  by  all ;  but, 

c.  Not  of   science,  etc.  except  as  affecting  Faith 

or  Morals:  e.g. 

The  evolution  of  the  soul  (against  Faith). 
Proofs  of  Infallibility: 
I.  SCRIPTURE  : 
i.  God  gave  especial  assistance  to  the  High  Priest  of 

old  :   Deut.  xvii.  8 — 13. 

a.  Who  was  but  a  type  of    the   Pontiff  of   the 
New  Law. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  405 


b.  Hence  must  the  latter  receive  the  same. 

Otherwise  the  reality  would  be  inferior  to  the 

type. 

ii.  Christ  declares  Peter  the  rock  whereon  He  builds 
His  Church  :  Mth.  xvi.  18. 

a.  Now  the  stability  of   a  house  depends  on  its 

foundation  :   Mth.  vii.  25. 

b.  If  the  Church  is  infallible  because  on  the  rock, 

the  rock  must  be  infallible, 
iii.  Christ  prayed  that  Peter's  Faith  might  not  fail. 

Now  the  prayer  of  Christ  is  efficacious  and  heard 

of  the  Father:  Jn.  xi.  22. 

iv.  Christ  commissioned  Peter  to  feed  both  lambs  and 
sheep:   Jn.  xxi.  15 — 17. 

a.  Now  the  chief  food  of  souls  is  truth  through 

faith. 

b.  Hence  Peter  must   give  wholesome   food,  i.e. 

must  not  err. 

II.  TRADITION  : 

Testimony  of  the  Fathers  showing  the  belief  of 

the  Church  in  their  day  :  e.g. 
Origen,  3rd  c. :  S.  Jerome,  S.  Augustine,  5th  c. 
Roma  locuta  est :  causa  finita  est.     S.  Aug. 

III.  REASON  : 

i.  Knowing  God's  love  and  justice,  we  cannot  suppose 

a   Head  given   to  the  Church  that  could  lead  it 

into  error. 
ii.  Requires    in    the   Church   one   who,   under    God's 

guidance,  should  with  certainty  explain  His  word 

and  correct  all  error, 
iii.  Christ  Our  Lord 

a.  Promised  the  Church  should  not  err :  Mth. xvi.  1 8. 

b.  Instituted  the  Church,  united  to  its  Head. 

Therefore  the  Head  must  be  infallible. 

IV.  DEFINITION,  as  a  dogma  of  Faith,  by  the  Vatican 

Council,  1870,  sufficient  for  all  good  Catholics. 

Lessons : 

i.  Devotion  and  confidence  in  S.  Peter. 

Solid  and  widespread  in  England,  till  the  i6th  c. 
ii.  Reverence,  love  and  obedience  to  his  Successor, 
iii.  Prayer,  and  readiness  to  assist  him. 


4o6  SERMON   PLANS 


203.     THE   POPE. 

i.  Our  Lord  chose  Peter's  boat  to  preach  from,  because 

a.  Peter  was  to  become  the  prince  of  the  Apostles ; 

b.  Peter's  boat  was  to  be  a  figure  of  the  Church  : 

Wherein  alone  Christ  still  teaches  the  multi- 
tudes, 
ii.  Consider  the  position  of  the  Successor  of  S.  Peter. 

Visible  Head  of  the  Church : 

i.  The  Church  must  have  a  Head  that  can  be  appealed  to : 

a.  As  a  centre  of   unity   in    Faith,   Morals   and 

Discipline. 

b.  Necessary  to  every  society,  so  as  to  secure  law 

and  order. 

A  kingdom  must  have  a  king. 
An  army,  a  general. 
So  the  Church,  the  most  perfect  society,  must 

have  a  head, 
ii.  This  Head  is  the  Bishop  of  Rome : 

a.  Who  has  a  diocese,  like  any  other  Bishop. 

b.  Rome,  in  Italy: 

1.  Where  S.  Peter  reigned  25  years. 

2.  The  capital  of  Christendom,  the  "  eternal 

city." 

c.  Though  sometimes  living  elsewhere,  still  remain- 

ing Bishop  of  Rome. 
The  Popes  at  Avignon:  A.D.  1309 — 1377. 
iii.  Called  the  Pope,  which  word  signifies  Father. 

The  Pope,  as  successor  of  S.  Peter  is : 

i.  The  Spiritual  Father  of  all  Christians. 

a.  The  source  of  all  authority  and  power  in  the 

Church. 

b.  From  whom  Bishops  and  Priests  receive  theirs. 

c.  Through  them  the  Faithful   have  Sacraments 

and  Sacrifice. 

d.  Thus  is  the    Pope  their   Spiritual    Father,  as 

source  of  the  spiritual  life  of  their  souls. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  407 


ii.  Their  Shepherd  : 

a.  To  rule  them  under  God. 

b.  To  make  laws  for  their  guidance. 

c.  To  lead  them  to  good  pasture-lands. 

d.  To  guard  them  against  sin  and  evil. 

e.  To  inflict  salutary  punishment,  when  necessary, 
iii.  Their  Teacher  : 

a.  Preaching  the  divine  doctrines. 

b.  Condemning  heresy  and  error. 

c.  Deciding  religious  controversies. 

d.  Infallible,  when  defining  doctrines. 

1.  As  to  Faith,  or  Morals. 

2.  To  be  held  by  the  Universal  Church. 

3.  In  his  official  capacity  :  ex  cathedra. 
iv.  Called  the  Vicar  of  Christ :  i.e. 

a.  One  who  acts  in  the  name  and  place  of  Christ. 

b.  Every   Bishop    usually   has    a    Vicar    in    his 

diocese:  e.g.  .  .  . 

c.  Honour  and  obedience  due  to  him,  as  to  the 

Bishop. 

Still  more  to  the  Pope,  as  representing  Christ, 
v.  Elected  by  the  College  of  Cardinals,  in   Conclave 

assembled. 
But  receiving  his  powers  from  God,  as  Peter's 

successor, 
vi.  May  resign  his  high  office : 

S.  Peter  Celestine  resigned,  in  i3th  c. :  May  19. 
Pius  VII.  prepared  to  do  so,  1804. 

Lessons : 

i.  Ever  show  to  the  Pope,  as  spiritual 

a.  Father:   love  of  the  Heart,  and  temporal  aid, 

if  necessary. 

b.  Shepherd:    obedience   of    the    Will   and   every 

confidence. 

c.  Teacher  :  submission  of  the  Intellect  to  his  words, 
ii.  Pray  God  for  light  and  protection  upon  him. 


4o8  SEKfifON  PLANS 


204.    THE   UNCERTAINTY  OF   EARTHLY 
THINGS. 

i.  To-day's  Gospel  gives  an  example  of  confidence  in 

Jesus  justified  and  rewarded :  Lke.  v.  5. 
ii.  Similar   confidence   will  be    our    support  amid   the 

vicissitudes  of  life. 
The  Providence   of  God  watches   and   rules  the 

greatest  and  the  least, 
iii.  To  prompt  us  to  trust  in  God,  let  us  consider 

a.  The  uncertainties  of  life,  and  our  helplessness 

in  their  midst. 

b.  What  thoughts  are  suggested  by  them. 

The  Uncertainties  of  life : 

i.  Unnecessary  to  suggest  that  all  things  are  subject 

to  change. 

It  would  be  like  proving  the  existence  of  the  sun. 
ii.  Equally  so,  that  these  changes  cannot  be  foreseen. 

Yet  how  little  effect  these  clear  truths  have  on  men. 

iii.  To    judge    by   appearances,   each    seems   to   think 

himself  an  exception  to  the  general  law  of  change. 

iv.  Such  fatal  deception  causes  the  loss  of  many  souls, 

making  them 

fl.  Neglect  all  moral  and  religious  duty. 
b.  Presume  on  the  continuance  of  health  and  pros- 
perity, to  sin  the  more. 

We  need  reminding  that 

i.  Industry  and   wisdom  can  do  but  little,  except  by 

the  pleasure  of  God. 
As  seen  in  the  case  of  Peter's  fishing, 
ii.  The  most  happy  and  successful  may  soon  totter  and 

sink  in  ruins.     For, 

iii.  The  seeds  of  change  and  decay  are  sown  in  us  all. 
iv.  The  present  is  passing  away :  the  future  will  do  the 

same. 

v.  The  world  is  in   perpetual   motion,  and   nothing  is 
stationary. 


ON    THE   GOSPELS  409 

Like  the  stream  ever  flowing,  or  the  wheel  ever 

turning. 
vi.  We  have  endless  examples  of  such  truths  :  e.g. 

Youth's  beauty  and  dreams  fade  away  and  dis- 
appear. 
The  greatest  changes  are  often  the  work  of  a 

moment :  e.g. 

The  vessel  wrecked  in  a  storm. 
The  city  overthrown  by  an  earthquake, 
vii.  Amid  such  uncertainties, 

a.  Men  labour  and  scheme,  as  though  all  depended 

on  themselves. 

It  is  right  to  be  thoughtful  and  industrious 
for  the  future.     But, 

b.  We  must  act  in  moderation,  referring  all  to  our 

future  good. 

Higher  thoughts  and  views : 

i.  Let  the  mutability  of  earthly  things 

a.  Be  an  antidote  against  pride,  extravagance,  etc. 

b.  Be   an    inducement   to    practise   humility   and 

modesty:  Prov.  xxvii.  i. 

c.  Wean  your  hearts  from  the  goods  of  earth,  to 

fix  them  on  God. 
ii.  In  the  midst  of  prosperity  : 

a.  Remember   how  easily  poverty  may  overtake 

you. 

b.  Extend  a  helping  hand  to  those  in  need ;  and, 

c.  Cherish  sympathy  for  those  in  sorrow, 
iii.  In  the  day  of  tribulation  : 

a.  Be  not  disheartened,  for  a  change  will  surely 

come. 
/;.  Take    courage    from    the   thought    that    God 

watches  over  you  :   i  Cor.  x.  13. 
c.  Know  that  suffering  is  favourable  to  merit  and 

reward:  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 
iv.  Defer  not  till  to-morrow  the  duty  of  to-day : 

a.  The  uncertainty  of  life  is  too  great,  to  run  such 

risk. 

b.  Restrain  and  correct  your  passions,  lest  death 

surprise  you. 
Procrastination  is  the  thief  of  time  :  Ps.  xciv.  8. 


410  SERMON  PLANS 


205.     CHRISTIAN   JUSTICE. 

"  Unless  your  justice  exceed  that  of  the  Scribes."     Mth.  v.  20. 

i.  Great  should    be   the  virtue   and   goodness   of   the 
Christian :  For, 

a.  To-day's  Gospel  requires  it. 

b.  Our  Lord's  example  should  inspire  it. 

c.  Gratitude  to  God  suggests  it. 

d.  His  promised  rewards  encourage  it. 

ii.  Unless   we   excel  the   Scribes,  we   shall    not   enter 

Heaven ! 
iii.  What  a  threat  is  this ! 

a.  Coming  from  the  Lord  of  all  meekness  and  love. 

b.  Not  of  temporal  pains,  but  of  eternal  loss. 

c.  Made  directly  to  His  disciples  and  friends;  then, 

d.  To  all  who  are  less  perfect  than  the  Pharisees, 
iv.  Yet  the  Pharisees  were  exact  observers  of  the  Law : 

a.  They   frequented  the  Temple   to   pray :    Mth. 

vi.  5. 

b.  They  gave  alms  and  tithes :  Mth.  xxiii.  23. 

c.  They  fasted  often  :  Mth.  vi.  16. 

v.  How  many  Christians  do  less :  e.g.  who 

a.  Seldom  come  to  church,  even  on  Sundays. 

b.  Are  hard  to  the  poor  and  needy. 

c.  Easily  seek  dispensation,  and  do  no  penance, 
vi.  How  terrible  then  the  thought,  that 

a.  If  the  Pharisees  who  did  such  things,  good  in 

themselves,  are  yet  condemned,  what  of  us 
who  do  so  little  ? 

b.  If  the  fruitful  tree  be  not  spared,  what  of  the 

dead  one  ? 

c.  If  they  are  damned  who  do  some  good,  what  of 

us  who  do  positive  evil  ? 
vii.  Yet  the  Justice  of  the  Pharisees  was  greatly  wanting: 

a.  It  was  external  only :  done  to  be  seen  of  men : 

Mth.  xxiii.  5. 

Parading  their  phylacteries :  Ibid. 
Love  of  ceremonial :  Ibid,  xxiii.  7. 
Frequent  purifications :  Ibid.  xv.  2. 

b.  Accompanied  with  interior  corruption. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  4U 

Hence  Our  Lord  compared  them  to  whited 

sepulchres  :  Ibid,  xxiii.  27. 
c.  Perverting  the  sense  and  letter  of  the  Law : 

Ibid.  xv.  6. 
viii.  Now  does  our  Justice  exceed  theirs  ?  e.g. 

a.  Are  our  acts  done  for  God  and  in  the  state  of 

grace?  or, 

b.  Do  we  seek  the  notice  and  applause  of  men  ? 

c.  Is  our  will  conformed  to  the  Will  of  God  ? 

d.  Are  we  within,  before  God,  as  we  appear  without, 

before  men  ? 

e.  Do  we  despise  others,  for  not  doing  as  we  do  or 

wish  ? 
/.  Are  we  hard  to  sinners,  like  the  Pharisee  against 

the  Publican  ? 
Though  Our  Lord  was  merciful  to  Magdalen 

and  the  Prodigal, 
ix.  Our  Justice  is  but  pharisaical,  if 

a.  We  avoid  only  external  evil,  and  fulfil  only  public 

duty. 

b.  We  follow  worldly  maxims  rather  than  the  Law 

of  God :  e.g. 

In  matters  of  amusements,  etc. 
As  to  indiscriminate  reading ;  or, 
Education  divorced  from  religion. 

c.  We  produce  no  good  works,  fruits  of  the  Gospel 

teaching :  or, 

d.  Do  our  works  through  vain  and  sinful  motives. 

For, 

x.  To  do  our  works  without  the  interior  spirit  is  not 
true  virtue. 

a.  We  may  appear  strict  and  good  before  men  ;  but, 

b.  We  draw  down  upon  us  God's  reproach  of  old. 

"Their  heart  is  far  from  Me."     Mth.  xv.  8. 
xi.  To  exceed  the  Justice  of  the  Pharisees  is  a  command 

binding  all. 
To  this  end,  we  must  endeavour 

a.  To  give  interior  life  to  acts,  by  purity  of  intention. 

b.  To  think  not  of  the  past,  but  press  on  like  S.  Paul : 

Phil.  hi.  12. 

c.  To  have  the  will  to  be  perfect. 

d.  To  hunger  and  thirst  after  the  justice  of  God. 


412  SERMON  PLANS 


206.     RECONCILIATION. 

"  Go  first  to  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother."     Mlh.  v.  24. 

i.  These  words  express  the  important  duty  of  recon- 
ciliation, 
ii.  Our  Lord  did  not  exaggerate :  His  words  were  ever 

the  sober  truth. 
If   then  He  considered   this   duty   imperative,  so 

must  we. 
iii.  It  is  a  practical  question,  of  no  small  difficulty. 

a.  Hence    strive    to    master    the    principle,   and 

practise  the  lesson. 

b.  For  this,  see  how  God  values  Sacrifice,  and 

yet  prefers  Charity. 

Sacrifice : 

i.  Offering  of  a  victim  to  God  alone,  in  testimony  of 

His  dominion  over  us. 
Expressing    Adoration:    Thanksgiving:    Petition: 

Satisfaction. 

ii.  God  insists  on  Sacrifice,  as  homage  due  from  His 
Creatures ;  yet, 

a.  He  will  not  accept  it  from  one  at  variance  with 

a  brother. 

b.  He  is  willing  to  forego  it,  till  reconciliation  is 

effected. 

iii.  With    the   ill-disposed,   God    acts    herein    as   with 
unworthy  priests  of  old  :  Mai.  i.  10. 

a.  Obedience  is  better  than  sacrifice :  but  recon- 

ciliation is  an  act  of  obedience. 

b.  Love  of  our  neighbour  is  proof  of  our  love  of 

God,  which  cannot  exist  without  it. 
iv.  Now  we  offer   gifts   to  God  (and  should    retire,  if 
ill-feeling  exists),  whenever 

a.  We  pray  to  Him. 

b.  We  come  to  hear  Mass. 

c.  We    visit    and,   especially,    receive    the    Holy 

Eucharist, 
v.  If  then  in  preparing  for  Communion,  you  remember 

some  ill-will,  defer  it ! 
Our  Lord  lays  down  this  command  to-day. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  413 


Reconciliation : 

i.  All  this  shows  the  necessity  of  Reconciliation, 
ii.  It  is  a  law  given  to  each  one  individually  : 

a.  Hence  proposed  in  the  singular  number : 

"  If  thou  bring  thy  gift  .   .  ." 

b.  This  practice  has  difficulties,  yet  we  must  obey. 

As  Faith  has  difficulties,  yet  we  must  believe, 
iii.  Our  duty  herein  is  two-fold,  viz. : 

a.  Negative : 

We  must  exclude  no  one :  the  law  of  love  is 
universal. 

b.  Positive : 

1 .  This  law  binds,  as  soon  as  cause  of  offence 

has  arisen. 

2.  We  must  manifest  our  willingness  to  be 

reconciled, 
a.  Giving  and  returning  the  ordinary 

signs  of  good-will. 
(3.  Making  the  first  advances,  if  we  are 

the  offenders, 
y.  Even  if  not,  trying  to  remedy  the 

evil. 

iv.  Easy  perhaps  in  theory,  but  often  difficult  in  practice: 
granted !    But, 

a.  The  difficulty  lies  in  our  pride  or  worldliness. 

b.  Each  one  thinks  it  the  other's  place  to  take  the 

first  step.     But, 

1.  Our  Lord  to-day  makes  no  such  distinction. 

2.  God  does  not  so  act,  in  pardoning  us. 

v.  Take  high  views  in  regard  to  your  neighbour's  soul. 
Who   is   right — God   who   loves   it,  or   you  that 

disdain  it  ? 
vi.  Further  thoughts : 

a.  Don't  add  to  life's  troubles  by  dissensions. 

b.  Study  and  practise  to-day's  lesson,  in  love  to 

1.  God,  your  common  Creator  and  Judge. 

2.  Your  neighbour,  whom  He  loves,  and  you 

must  love  in  Him. 

c.  If   you   refuse    love   to   your    neighbour,   you 

refuse  it  to  God. 


SERMON   PLANS 


207.     PROVIDENCE. 

"  Whence  can  any  one  feed  them  with  bread?'1     Mrk.  viii.  4. 

i.  Many  forget  that  they  are  in  the  hands  of  a  wise 

Providence. 

Or,  they  think  of  It,  only  to  mistrust  It. 
ii.  Many  also  receive  Its  blessing,  without  thanking  God. 
iii.  Hence  two  subjects  for  consideration,  viz. : 

I.  Confidence  in  Providence: 

i.  Some  circumstances  in  life  most  gloomy  and  dis- 
couraging :  e.g. 

A  mother  left  a  widow,  with  a  young  family. 
A  father  and  children,  struck  down  by  sickness. 
The  rich,  reduced  to  poverty  and  want, 
ii.  In  such  cases  we  need  no  small  confidence  in  God, 

for  support  in  the  trial. 

iii.  How  consoling  and  cheering  is  this  confidence  amid 
distress. 

a.  Remembering  God's  promises  to  care  for  those 

who  cry  to  Him. 

"  No  one  hath  hoped  in  the  Lord,  and  hath  been  con- 
founded." Ecclus.  ii.  n. 

"The  Lord  is  good  to  them  that  hope  in  Him." 
Lam.  iii.  25. 

"They  shall  call  on  My  name,  and  I  will  hear  them." 
Zach.  xiii.  9. 

b.  Knowing   that    all   things    happen    by   divine 

appointment  for  our  good. 

c.  Resigning  oneself  to  such  appointment. 

All  a  source  of  peace  and  contentment,  even 

in  trial. 

iv.  We  must  not  expect  God  to  work  miracles,  as  for 
The  Israelites  in  the  desert :  Ex.  xvi. 
Elias,  by  the  ravens :  3  Kgs.  xvii.  6. 
S.Paul,  the  Hermit:  Jan.  15. 

v.  He  will  take  ordinary  means,  with  equal  effect :  e.g. 
n.  Inspiring  some  one  to  bring  relief. 

b.  Making  circumstances  change  the  situation;  and 

c.  Imparting  patience  and  resignation. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  415 

vi.  If  confidence  be  needed  in  greater  cases,  so  also  in 
lesser  ones. 

a.  Why  such  undue  anxiety  about  the  future  ? 

b.  Why  such  trouble  about  evils  that  may  never 

occur  ? 

"Why  are    you  fearful,   O  ye    of  little  faith?"     Mth. 
viii.  26. 

c.  Have  you  or  yours  ever  yet  wanted  the  neces- 

saries of  life  ? 

d.  Why  then  doubt,  like  the  disciples,  saying : 

"  Whence  can  any  one  feed  them  with  bread  ?  " 

e.  God  feeds  the  birds  of  the  air,  so  will  He  you. 
/.  He  clothes  the  lilies  of  the  field,  so  will  He  you. 

vii.  Have  full  confidence  in  God,  yet  also  resignation  to 

His  Will. 
Fully  convinced  that  whatever  happens  is  from 

Him  and  for  the  best, 
viii.  Meanwhile  we  also  must  do  our  best : 

a.  In  vain  shall  we  expect  to  reap,  if  we  do  not  sow. 

b,  God  alone  gives  the  increase,  but  He  requires 

our  labour  to  precede, 
ix.  Loving  Confidence  in  God,  a  first  lesson  to  learn. 

II.  Gratitude  to  Providence: 

i.  Thankfulness  for  blessings  received,  a  duty  to  God's 
Providence. 

a.  How  seldom  do  men  thank  Him  for  their  crops, 

successes,  etc. 

b.  Only  when  misfortune  comes,  do  they  think  of 

Him,  then  to  murmur, 
ii.  Ingratitude  most  hateful  both  to  God  and  man. 

Our   Lord's   complaint   about   the   lepers :    Lke. 

xvii.  17. 

Our  own  painful  experience, 
iii.  This  spirit  ever  a  characteristic  of  the  Saints. 

a.  They  have  grieved,  because  men  are  unthankful. 

b.  They  even  invited  the  brute  creation  to  give 

thanks  to  God. 

iv.  A  means  to  obtain  a  continuance  of  favours, 
v.  Gratitude  to    Providence,  a  second   lesson   to  learn 
to-day. 
BB 


4i6  SERMON  PLANS 


208.  GROUNDS  FOR  CONFIDENCE  IN  GOD. 

i.  The  Knowledge,  Goodness  and  Power  of  God,  three 

sources  of  Confidence. 

ii.  All   three   exemplified   in   the   miracle   of    to-day's 
Gospel. 

I.  Knowledge  of  God: 
i.  Past: 

a.  Our  Lord  reminds  His  Apostles  that 

1.  The  multitudes  had  been  with  Him  three 

days. 

2.  Many  had  come  from  afar  to  hear  Him. 

b.  God  remembers  all  it  has  cost  us  to  follow  and 

serve  Him. 
Temptations,  sacrifices,  obstacles. 

c.  What  a  good  Master  to  serve,  who  forgets  not 

our  past  efforts ! 
ii.  Present: 

a.  Our   Lord   knows   the  extreme   want   of   His 

people ;  so, 

b.  God  knows  all  our  sorrows  and  trials,  spiritual 

and  temporal. 

c.  Men  know  them  not,  and  won't  even  believe 

them. 

Why  then  trust  to  them  rather  than  to  God  ? 
iii.  Future  : 

a.  Our  Saviour  warns  the  Apostles  of  the  danger 

of  dismissing  the  people. 

b.  It  is  the  future  usually  that  troubles  us  most. 

c.  Yet  why  trouble  about  that  of  which  we  know 

nothing  ? 

d.  God  alone  foresees  the  future,  and  knows  it  in 

regard  to  us. 
Leave  then  to  Him  the  care  of  it. 

II.  Goodness  of  God: 

i.  Compassionate : 

a.  Men  often  see  our  sorrows,  but  remain  insen- 

sible to  them. 

b.  Not  so  Our  Lord,  who  pitied  the  multitude. 

c.  Will  God  then  be  insensible  to  our  crosses  ? 


ON    THE  GOSPELS  417 


ii.  Efficacious  : 

a.  Our  Lord  would  not  dismiss  the  people,  lest 

they  should  faint. 

b.  Hear  His  words,  O  you  that  serve  Him  well ! 

c.  He  may  try  you,  but  never  beyond  your  strength. 

d.  Men  are  often  unable  to  help,  not  so  God. 
<?.  Whence  is  this  help  to  come  1 

1.  Such  the  question  of  the  Apostles:    Mrk. 

viii.  4. 

2.  You   may   not    know   how   or   whence   it 

can  come. 

3.  Yet  it  will  come,  if  you  have  confidence, 

provided  by  the 

III.  Power  of  God : 

i.  General  order  of  Nature : 

a.  Creation  of  all  things  out  of  nothing. 

b.  Plants,  crops  and  flocks  are  yearly  renewed. 

c.  We  ungratefully  forget  the  Giver : 

Anxious  beforehand,  indifferent  afterwards, 
ii.  Divine  Providence  : 

a.  God  specially  provides  for  them  that  love  Him. 

b.  They  never  want,  who  are  devoted  to  the  sick 

and  poor  and  good  works. 

1.  The  more  they  give   for  God,  the  more 

they  receive. 

2.  An  effect  of  God's  Providence,  governing  all. 
iii.  Order  of  Grace  : 

a.  Multiplication   of  loaves  a  type  of  the  Holy 

Eucharist. 

1.  What    profusion    of    food    for   our    souls 

herein  ! 

2.  Not  only  grace,  but  its  very  Author. 

b.  If  we  are  weak,  it  is  our  own  fault :  the  food 

of  the  strong 

1.  Is  within  our  reach,  if  we  desire  it ;  but, 

2.  Is  often  received  without  due  fervour. 

Conclusion  : 

i.  Such  are  three  powerful  motives  for  confidence  in  God. 
ii.  Consider  them  well,  to  obtain  such  confidence. 


4i8  SERMON   PLANS 


209,     GOOD   WORKS. 

"  Every  tree  that  hringeth  not  forth  good  fruit.  .   .  ."     Mth.  vii.  19. 

i.  S.James  tells  us  that  faith  without  works  is  dead: 

Jas.  ii.  26. 
ii.  In  to-day's  parable,  we  are  the  tree,  and  our  works 

the  fruit. 

iii.  Unless  we  do  good  works,  we  shall  be  cast  aside, 
iv.  How  necessary  therefore  to  reflect  on  this  subject. 

Necessity  of  Good  Works: 

i.    Many  will  be  condemned  for  not  realizing  this  need. 

a.  Thinking  it  sufficient  for  salvation  if  they  avoid 

evil.     And, 

b.  Forgetting  that  God's  command  is  two-fold :  viz. 

"Decline  from  evil  and  do  good."     Ps.  xxxvi.  27. 
ii.  This  two-fold  command  must  be  observed  in  both 
its  parts. 

a.  To  fast  or  pray  will  not  avail  alone : 

You  must  also  "  decline  from  evil." 

b.  To  avoid  sins  of  commission  is  not  enough  : 

You  must  also  "  do  good." 

iii.  Hence,  think  not  sermons  on  negligence,  etc.,  do 
not  apply  to  you,  because  you  feel  not  guilty  of 
grievous  sin.  For, 

Sin  may  come  by  omission,  as  well  as  by  com- 
mission :  e.g.  .  .  . 
iv.  Comparisons   by  Our   Lord,  to  show  the   need  of 

good  works : 
The  husbandman  must  sow,  if  he  wish  to  reap : 

Mth.  xiii. 
We  are  to  gain  our  wages  by  labour  and  work : 

Mth.  xx.  2. 
v.  Salvation  then  depends  on  good  works,  and  not  on 

the  mere  absence  of  evil. 
A  man  is  rewarded  for  the  work  he  does,  not  for 

the  injury  he  does  not. 
vi.  Even  in  sinners,  good  works  are  not  useless:  e.g. 

The Ninevites  were  spared  through  them:  Jon. iii.  10. 
The  alms  of  Cornelius  pleased  God  :  Acts  x.  4. 
vii.  The    i6th   c.  Reformers    held    faith    alone    to    be 
necessary. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  419 


Easy  doctrine,  but  false  and  opposed  to  that  of 

Christ. 

viii.  Good   works   therefore   are   necessary :    Jas.  ii.  24  : 
Trent,  vi.  x. 

The  Practice  of  Good  Works : 

i.  Good  works,  being  thus  necessary,  must  be  within 
our  reach.     For, 

a.  Nothing   is   required  of    us,   beyond  what  we 

can  do. 

b.  A  divine  assurance  most  consoling  :  Deut.  xxx. 

ii — 14. 
ii.  Good  works  are  included  under  three  chief  heads,  viz. 

a.  Prayer: 

1.  However  busy  your  life,  you  may  yet  pray 

well. 

2.  Daily  and  weekly  devotions. 

3.  Morning  offering  of  your  actions  to  God 

is  prayer. 

4.  Occasional  ejaculations  from  the  heart. 

b.  Fasting: 

1.  However  weak,  you  may  yet  fast:  for, 

2.  Fasting  includes 

a.  Every     sort     of      mortification     and 

self-restraint. 
(3.  Bearing   in    patience   the   trials    and 

crosses  of  life. 

c.  Almsdeeds : 

1.  Even  though  living  on  alms,  you  may  give 

alms ;  for, 

2.  It  implies  the  spirit  of  Charity  in  general : 

The   Spiritual   and    Corporal   Works  of 

Mercy, 
iii.  Thus  they  are  within  the  reach  of  all :  all  therefore 

must  do  them. 
iv.  Motives  for  doing  good  works  : 

a.  The  Necessity  of  them  (as  above). 

b.  Their  Utility,  in  gaining  merit  and  reward. 

c.  The  Gladness  they  bring  to  the  heart. 

d.  The  Dignity  they  confer,  bringing  us  near  to  God. 

e.  The  very  Facility  of  doing  them. 

v.   In  conclusion,  appreciate  and  practise  good  works. 


SERMON   PLANS 


210.     THE   WILL  OF  GOD. 

"He  that  doth  the  will  of  My  Father.  ..."     Mth.  vii.  21. 

i.  In  the  "  Our  Father,"  we  daily  beg  that  God's  Will 

may  be  done, 
ii.  This  Our  Lord  here  declares  to  be  the  means  of 

salvation. 

iii.  Do  we  sufficiently  realize  all  this  ? 
iv.  Consider    this    simple,   but    efficacious,    means    of 

sanctification. 

The  Will  of  God  : 

i.  We  are  bound  by  every  title  to  do  God's  Will. 

He  is  our  Creator,  Redeemer,  Benefactor,  Judge, 
ii.  God   alone   has  the   inherent   right  that    His  Will 
be  law. 

Others,  only  as  holding  His  place.     For, 

"There  is  no  power  hut  from  God."     Rom.  xiii.  I. 

iii.  Known  by 

fl.  The  Ten  Commandments : 

The  outward  expression  of  the  divine  Will. 

b.  The  Laws  of  the  Church,  in  like  manner.    For, 

"  He  that  heareth  you  heareth  Me."     Lke.  x.  16. 

c.  The  voice  of  Superiors,  unless  opposed  to  God  : 

Parents,  Ecclesiastical  Rulers,  Magistrates. 

d.  The  common  events  in  life :  e.g. 

1.  Sickness. 

2.  Death  of  friends. 

3.  Failure,  weather,  etc. 

4.  Persecution,    opposition,   and    disappoint- 

ments. 

iv.  Always  holy  and  just,  and  always  best  for  us. 
The  poisonous  flower.* 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  421 


Must  be  done: 

i.  As  the  only  means  of  reaching  Heaven. 

"If   thou   wilt   enter   into    life,   keep  the   Commandments." 

Mth.  xix.  17. 
"  He  that  doth  the  will  of  My  Father  .  .   .  ."     Mth.  vii.  21. 

ii.  Without  this,  all  else  will  little  avail.     For, 
iii.  Holiness  and  perfection  do  not  consist 

a.  In  leaving  the  world,  except  for  a  few. 

b.  In  austerities,  third  orders,  etc. 

c.  In  prayer  and  sacraments  only. 

"Not   every  one  that  saith    to    Me  Lord,  Lord  .  .  ." 
Mth.  vii.  21. 

d.  In  mere  amount  of  grace,  which  is  often  abused, 
iv.  The  essence  of  holiness  consists  in  doing  God's  Will. 

Your  daily  round  of  labour,  for  God's  sake, 
v.  All  creation  obeys  that  Will  most  perfectly :  e.g. 

The  planets  follow  the  orbits  traced  out  for  them. 

The  tides  ebb  and  flow,  according  to  law. 

The  bee  builds  its  cells,  according  to  its  instinct. 

The  flowers  grow,  each  according  to  its  nature, 
vi.  Why  does  Man  alone  rebel  and  refuse  to  obey  ? 

a.  Because  he  is  proud. 

b.  Practise  humility,  and  obedience  will  be  easy : 

Say 

"Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  have  me  to  do?"     Acts  ix.  6: 
"  Not  my  will,  but  Thine  be  done."     Lke.  xxii.  42. 

Lessons : 

i.  Seek  ever  to  know  and  to  do  God's  Will, 
ii.  It  will  procure  your  happiness,  even  here ;  and 
iii.  It  will  secure  you  easy  entrance  into  Heaven. 


*  An  English  lady  in  India  plucked  a  flower  in  a  friend's  garden, 
and  began  to  smell  it,  when  a  negro  servant  snatched  it  from  her.  She 
complained  of  the  insult,  but  her  host  explained  how  it  contained  a 
most  deadly  poison,  from  which  the  slave  wished  to  save  her,  though 
unable  to  say  so.  Thus  do  vexations  turn  to  our  good. — Schmidt. 


422  SERMON   PLANS 


211.     THE  STEWARDSHIP. 

"Give  an  account  of  thy  stewardship."    Lke.  xvi.  2. 

i.  The  rich  man's  words  to  his  steward,  will  one  day 
be  addressed  to  us,  as  the  stewards  of  God. 

ii.  Words  of  the  highest  import,  and  worthy  of  serious 
thought. 

iii.  Consider  of  what  goods  we  are  the  stewards. 

Time :  (p.  226.) 

i.  One  of  God's  most  precious  gifts !     Yet  how  is  it 

wasted ! 

ii.  Its  brevity :  the  present  alone  is  really  ours, 
iii.  Its    value :    wherewith   we    may   purchase    eternal 

happiness. 
How  appreciated  in  Hell  .  .  .  Purgatory  .  .  .  and 

Heaven ! 
iv.  Examine  and  see 

a.  Whether  you  use  your  time  well  ? 

b.  Whether  you  cannot  use  it  to  better  advantage? 

1.  Daily  occupation,  mental  or  manual. 

2.  Leisure  hours,  in  more  serious  work. 

3.  Making  garments  for  the  poor,  vestments 

for  churches,  etc. 
v.  Repair  the  past  by  care  in  the  future :  by 

a.  Appreciation  of  the  brevity  and  value  of  time. 

b.  Definite  occupation,  and  punctuality. 

c.  Good  intention  in  all  you  do. 

vi.  An  account  will  be  demanded,  when  time  comes  to 
an  end. 

Goods  of  the  World : 

i.  As  regards    others,  our  lawful   possessions  are  our 

own,  absolutely.     But 

ii.  As  regards  God,  we  are  only  the  stewards  of  them, 
iii.  God  rules  the  physical  world  by  secondary  causes : 
The  seasons  result  from  the  earth's  revolving  round 
the  sun. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  423 


iv.  So  also  the  moral  world :  e.g. 

He  provides  for  the  poor,  by  the  hands  of  the 

wealthy, 
v.  Examine  again  and  see  whether  we  be  good  stewards : 

a.  Are  we  wasteful  in  any  way  ? 

b.  Do  we  hoard  up,  like  the  miser  ? 

c.  Are  we  deaf  to  the  just  claims  of  others  ? 

vi.  You  can  take  nothing  into  eternity,  as  you  brought 

nothing  into  time. 
Hence,  make  friends  of  the  mammon  of  iniquity. 

Talents : 

i.  Mental  or  physical  powers :  e.g.  .  .  . 
ii.  These  also  to  be  used,  and  not  wasted  or  hidden  away. 
Yet  how  often  does  this  happen ! 

a.  Talent  for  drawing,  painting,  music,  etc. 

b.  Singing  for  Church  refused,  or  given  only  for 

pay. 

All  should  join  in  the  Church  services  (con- 
gregational), 
iii.  Give  an  account  of  thy  stewardship  : 

a.  In  death,  we  shall  regret  the  little  use  made  of 

our  talents. 

b.  It  will  be  too  late  then  to  merit,  when  no  man 

can  work. 

Graces : 

i.  Last,  but  not  the  least  of  God's  gifts :  e.g. 

a.  Gift  of  the  true  faith. 

b.  Church  within  reach  (not  as  in  Africa). 

c.  Sacrifice  and  Sacraments  :  Instructions. 

ii.  What  responsibility  in  regard  to  these,  and  what  an 
account  we  must  one  day  give ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Remember  your  stewardship,  and  tremble  before  God. 
S.  Jerome  and  other  Saints  of  heroic  virtue  were 
filled   with   fear   at   this   thought:    how   much 
more  should  we  be  ! 

ii.  Consider  the  past,  and  resolve   to   amend   for  the 
future. 


424  SERMON   PLANS 


212.     ALMSDEEDS. 

"Make  unto  you  friends  of  the  mammon  of  iniquity."   Lke.  xvi.  9. 

i.  Mammon  of  iniquity,  from  the  Syriac,  means  riches 

and  wealth, 
ii.  Our  Lord  here  urges  those  who  possess  them,  to 

make  good  use  of  them. 
That,  from  a  danger  to  the  soul,  they  may  become 

a  source  of  merit, 
iii.  One  most  effectual  means  to  this  end  is  the  practice  of 

Almsgiving ; 

i.  Giving  to  a  neighbour  in  need,  for  God's  sake, 
ii.  The  standard  by  which  we  shall  be  judged :  Mth. 

xxv.  35. 

iii.  Its  necessity  is  founded  on  three  great  principles: 
viz.  that 

a.  We  are  all  brethren. 

b.  We  are  but  stewards  to  God  of  the  goods  we 

possess. 

c.  We  must  detach  our  hearts  from  too  great  love 

of  them, 
iv.  May  be  carried  out  in  many  ways :  e.g. 

a.  Giving  food  and  clothing  to  the  needy. 

b.  Bestowing  money  to  this  end. 

c.  Through   the   works   of    mercy,   corporal   and 

spiritual. 

d.  By  any  kindness  to  others,  in  time  of  want, 
v.  Recommended  to  us  : 

a.  By  the  voice  of  nature  itself  : 

1.  Our  own  heart  tells  us  to  do  as  we  would 

be  done  by. 

2.  If    we  were    in  distress,  we  should  wish 

for  relief. 

b.  By  the  voice  of  God : 

"  I  command  thee  to  open  thy  hand  to  thy  needy  and 

poor  brother."     Deut.  xv.  ii. 
"  Give  alms  out  of  thy  substance."     Tob.  iv.  7. 
"Sell  what  you  possess,  and  give  alms."     Lke.  xii.  33. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  425 

c.  By  the  example  of  Christ,  "  the  Father  of  the  . 

poor." 

Who  became  poor,  to  enrich  us :  2  Cor.  viii.  9. 
Who  fed  the  multitudes  in  the  desert :  Mrk. 

viii.  7. 
Who  came  to  preach  to  the  poor :  Lke.  iv.  18. 

d.  By  the  writings  and  examples  of  the  Saints :  e.g. 

S.  Philip  Neri :  May  26.* 
S.Vincent  of  Paul:  Jly.  19. 

e.  By  the   need  we   have  of    mercy  from   God : 

Jas.  ii.  13. 

Effects  of  almsdeeds,  done  for  God  : 

i.  It  renders  God  favourable  to  us. 
ii.  It  helps  to  atone  for  sin. 

iii.  It  transforms  fleeting  goods  into  eternal  treasures, 
iv.  It  gives  power  to  prayer  and  intercession, 
v.  It  never  impoverishes,  but 
vi.  It  often  brings  even  temporal  blessings, 
vii.  It  is  a  source  of  joy  and  gladness  to  the  heart, 
viii.  It  calms  the  desire  of    possessing,  and  is  thus   a 

social  benefit. 
Truly,  indeed,  an  eminent  good  work ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Make  unto  you  friends  of  the  mammon  of  iniquity : 
By  the  various  practices  of  almsdeeds  and  charity, 
ii.  To  give  well  and  meritoriously, 

a.  Avoid  ostentation :  Mth.  vi.  2. 

b.  Keep  your  alms  hidden  from  men. 

c.  Do  it  for  God  only. 

iii.  Show  gratitude  to  God  for  His  gifts,  by  bestowing 
gifts  upon  others. 


*  Almsdeeds  and  charity  were  the  characteristic  virtues  of  S.  Philip, 
and  one  day  brought  him  a  signal  favour.  An  angel,  under  the  form 
of  a  beggar,  presented  himself  and  held  out  a  suppliant  hand. 
Without  enquiries,  the  Saint  gave  him  what  little  money  he  had. 
"Very  good,"  said  the  recipient,  "I  only  wished  to  test  your  charity," 
and  he  disappeared. — His  Life. 


426  SERMON   PLANS 


213.     THE   BEAUTY   OF   GOD'S   HOUSE. 

"  My  house  is  the  house  of  prayer."     Lke.  xix.  46. 

i.  David  loved  the  place  of  God's  worship,  the  Taber- 
nacle :  Ps.  xxv.  8. 

ii.  Consider  the  care  God  has  ever  exacted  in  the  worship 
paid  to  Him,  by  His  creatures. 

The  Tabernacle : 

i.  Designed  by  God  Himself,  before  the  Jews  entered 

the  Promised  Land  :  Ex.  xxvi. 
ii.  Made  in  pieces,  to  easily  carry  about  and  set  up,  as 

required, 
iii.  Consisted  of  two  great  divisions,  separated  by  a  veil. 

a.  The  Holy: 

1.  Containing  the  golden  candlestick  and  altar 

of  incense. 

2.  Entered  daily  by  the  priests,  morning  and 

evening,  for  sacrifices. 

b.  The  Holy  of  Holies  : 

1.  Containing  the  Ark  of  the  Covenant,  etc. 

2.  Entered  by  the  High  Priest  alone,  and  once 

a  year  only. 

iv.  Quadrangular  court  around,  opened  to  the  heavens 
above  :  Ex.  xxvii.  9. 

a.  Formed  by  sixty  pillars  of  wood,  overlaid  with 

silver. 

b.  These  supported  rods  of  silver,  whence  veils 

fell  to  the  ground. 

c.  For  the  people,  not  admitted  within  the  Taber- 

nacle itself, 
v.  How  exact  and  minute  the  requirements  of  God  in 

His  worship. 

vi.  A  type  of  the  Church  Militant,  and  David  sang  of 
its  beauty. 

The  Temple : 

i.  Built  by  Solomon,  in  Jerusalem,  B.C.  1012. 
ii.  On  the  model  of  the  Tabernacle,  but  larger. 

The  two  Courts,  separated  by  the  "  Veil  of  the 

Temple."     Mth.  xxvii.  51. 
iii.  Immensity  and  perfection  of  the  work:  3  Kgs.  vi. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  427 

iv.  Magnificence  of  the  Dedication  services :  Ibid.  viii. 
v.  Destroyed  by  Sesac  of  Egypt :  3  Kgs.  xiv.  25. 
vi.  Another  built  by  Zorobabel,  and  repaired  by  Herod. 

a.  Inferior  to  the  first,  in  splendour  and  size :  but, 

b.  Honoured  later  by  the  presence  of  the  Messiah: 

Agg.  ii.  8. 

c.  Finally  destroyed  by  the  Romans :  Mrk.  xiii.  2. 
vii.  Behold  again  the  magnificence  God  required  in  His 

worship, 
viii.  To  the  Temple  also  the  words  of  David  fitly  apply. 

Churches  in  the  New  Law: 

i.  Tabernacle  and  Temple,  only  shadows  of  our  churches, 
ii.  After  the  persecutions,  built  as  beautiful  as  possible. 
For  the  sacramental  presence  of  Our  Lord. 

a.  Magnificent  Cathedrals,  and  Priory  Churches. 

b.  Wealth  of  gold  and  silver,  for  the  service  of  the 

Altar, 
iii.  Built  in  faith,  not  for  men's  wants,  but  for  God's 

glory, 
iv.  In  all  prudence,  the  Church  yet  encourages  beauty 

and  magnificence, 
v.  To  these  still  more,  each  one  should  apply   King 

David's  words. 

Why  such  details? 

i.  To  show  the  importance  God  attached  to  everything 

affecting  His  worship, 
ii.  To  remind  you  how  the  Church  does  likewise  in  His 

name. 

iii.  To  urge  you  to  contribute  to  the  beauty  and  per- 
fection of  your  church. 
How  touching  to  read  of  the  offerings  of  Israel ! 

Ex.  xxxv.  21 — 29. 
iv.  Shall  we  refuse  or  murmur,  when  asked  to  subscribe ! 

a.  From  whom  the  gold  and  silver  you  possess  ? 

b.  From  whom  your  health  and  strength  to  labour  ? 

c.  Who  gave  success  to  your  efforts  in  business  ? 

d.  Surely,  then,  all  should  afford  to  give  something, 
v.  Give  cheerfully,  generously,  and  from  a  high  motive. 

vi.  Yet  ever  remember,  the  chief  beauty  of  God's  House 
lies  in  the  attendance  and  devotion  of  the  Faithful. 


428  SERMON  PLANS 


214.     THE   HOUSE   OF  GOD. 

"My  house  is  the  house  of  prayer."     Lke.  xix.  46. 

i.  On  two  occasions  did  Our  Lord  show  zeal  for  His 
Father's  House. 

a.  At  the  beginning  of  His  ministry:  Jn.  ii.  14 — 17. 

b.  The  day  after  His  entry  into  Jerusalem :  Lke. 

xix.  45. 
ii.  This  zeal,  shown  by  His  outward  severity, 

a.  Teaches  how  He  values  reverence  in  the  Temple. 

b.  Serves  to  warn  us,  as  to  our  conduct  in  Church. 

The  House  of  Prayer: 

i.  From  the  beginning,  God  has  ever  required  external 

homage  from  men. 

Cain  and  Abel  offering  sacrifice:  Gen.  iv. 
ii.  As  men  increased,  He  required  public  service  from 

them. 

iii.  To  this  end,  He  commanded,  in  the  Old  Law, 
a.  The  Tabernacle,  in  the  desert :  Ex.  xxv. 
4.  The  Temple,  in  Jerusalem  :  3  Kgs.  v. 
iv.  In  the  New  Law,  these  were  followed  by  Churches, 

as  we  know  them. 

v.  Churches  are  thus  houses  consecrated  to  the  service 
of  God. 

a.  Hence   magnificence    and    splendour    become 

them  in  every  form. 
See  the  Cathedrals  of  Christendom. 

b.  They  deserve  every  respect  from  man.     For, 
vi.  The  House  of  God  is  a  house  of 

a.  Prayer  and  worship  of  creatures  to  their  Creator. 

b.  Reconciliation     of      penitents,     in     the      sacred 

Tribunal. 

c.  Instruction,  for  such  as  hear  the  divine  Word. 

d.  Sacrifice,  whereby  we  give  glory  to  God. 

vii.  Hence  should  we  visit  the  Church  for  these  ends : 

a.  Especially  on  Sunday — the  Lord's  Day. 

b.  And  at  other  times,  according  to  our  needs  and 

devotion. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  429 

viii.  In  every  case,  we  must  show  it  internal  and  external 

respect. 

Otherwise  the  House  of  God   may  become  once 
again 

A  den  of  thieves : 

i.  Napoleon   is  said   to    have   turned   Churches   into 

stables ! 

A  sacrilege  of  the  deepest  dye. 

ii.  The  House  of    God  may  be  dishonoured  in  other 
ways  too. 

a.  Positively :  by 

1.  Wilful  distractions  at  prayer. 

2.  Laughing  or  talking,  or  distracting  others. 

3.  Wilfully  coming  late  to  service. 

4.  Bad  confessions  and  communions. 

5.  Thefts  and  other  sins  committed  there. 

b.  Negatively:  by 

1 .  Staying  away  from  service — Sunday  Mass. 

2.  Despising  instruction,  evening  service,  etc. 

3.  Neglecting   the    Sacraments,  channels   of 

grace, 
iii.  Too  many  Catholics  in  these  ways  make  the  Church 

a  den  of  thieves. 

They  literally  rob  God  of  His  glory  therein, 
iv.  Such  conduct  partakes  in  a  measure  of  the  nature 

of  a  sacrilege : 

Desecration  of  a  place  dedicated  to  God. 
v.  Many  instances  of  God  displaying  His  anger  against 

this  :  e.g. 

Baltassar,  and  the  handwriting  :  Dan.  v. 
Heliodorus,  struck  to  the  ground :  2  Mach.  iii.  25. 
Antiochus,  covered  with  disease :  2  Mach.  ix.  5. 
vi.  Beware  then  of  dishonouring  God's  House  in  any 

way. 

Correct  young  children  who  do  so. 

vii.  The  Temple  of  old  deserved  reverence  and  respect. 
How  much   more  our  Churches,  with  the  Real 

Presence  within. 

viii.  Enliven   your  faith  :  it  will  be  your  safe  guide  in 
this  regard. 


430  SERMON   PLANS 


215.     PHARISEE   AND   PUBLICAN. 

i.  Our  Lord  had  seen  in  His  Disciples  a  spirit  of  pride 

and  rivalry, 
ii.  To   correct  this,   He  showed  them   a  reflection  of 

themselves  in  the  Pharisee. 

iii.  For  us,  as  for  them,  the  parable  is  instructive,  and 
contains  a  two-fold  lesson  :  of 

a.  Warning,  to  the  proud  and  conceited  soul. 

b.  Encouragement,  to  the  repentant  sinner. 

The  Pharisee :  first  type  chosen  by  Our  Lord. 

i.  A  sample  of  the  puritanical  devotee,  so  exact  as  to 
outward  observances,  while  neglecting  the 
spirit  of  the  Law. 

a.  Conscious  of   exciting   admiration,  he  takes  a 

foremost  position. 

b.  And  stands,  rather  than  kneels,  as  seeming  less 

humbling, 
ii.  Standing  he  prays,  but  without  any  awe  of  God  : 

"  I  give  Thee  thanks  that  I  am  not  as  the  rest  of  men." 

a.  He  asks   for   nothing,  (pardon,  grace,  or  per- 

se verancej. 

b.  He   calls   the    rest   of    men    extortioners    and 

adulterers, 
iii.  Then  he  sees  a  publican  coming  in  to  pray,  and  pours 

upon  him  insult  and  contempt :  "  this  publican." 
iv.  Anxious  to  exalt  himself,  he  publishes  his  own  good 

works : 

"  I  fast  twice  in  the  week." 
"  I  give  tithes  of  all  that  I  possess." 

v.  Thus  from  first  to  last,  he  has  no  thought  of 

a.  His  dependency  on  God. 

b.  Gratitude  due  for  past  benefits. 

c.  Graces  necessary  for  the  future ;  but, 

vi.  His  whole  anxiety  is  to  appear  well  before  men. 

Hence  he  stands  forth,  proclaiming  his  virtues  and 

good  deeds, 
vii.  But  Our  Lord  says  he  was  not  justified  before  God. 

The  Publican  :  second  type : 

i.  The  very  name  was  hateful  to  Jewish  ears,  as  of 
a.  Betrayers  of  their  race  and  country. 


ON    THE   GOSPELS  431 


b.  Tools  of  Roman  power,  to  oppress  their  nation. 

c.  Agents  of  unprincipled  men  in  Rome ; 

1.  The  taxes  were  farmed  out  to  the  highest 

bidder. 

2.  The  publicans  were  extortionate  in  collect- 

ing them, 

Enforcing  the  law  with  rigour,  in  their 
own  favour. 

d.  The  Jews    thought   themselves    exempt   from 

foreign  tribute. 

Hence  their  hatred  of  those  who  collected  it. 
ii.  This  Publican,  repenting  his  evil  ways,  now  prayed 

for  pardon. 
«.  In  humility,  he  stood  at  a  distance  from  the  altar. 

b.  Head  and  eyes  cast  down,  he  struck  his  breast 

in  sorrow : 
"  O  God,  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

c.  He  feels  now 

1.  His  nothingness  before  the  God  of  Heaven. 

2.  His  sinfulness  in  the  Holy  Place. 

3.  The  weight  of  his  past  misdeeds  ;  but, 

4.  Trust  also  in  the  divine  mercy. 

iii.  Thus  did  he  pray  in  most  worthy  dispositions ;  and, 
iv.  Our  Lord  declares  he  was  justified  and  forgiven. 
Saint  and  Sinner: 

i.  Thus  do  the  Pharisee  and  Publican  appear  before 

men ;  but, 
ii.  God  judges  not  by  appearances  : 

a.  He    hears    the   words    of    the    Pharisee    and 

condemns : 
A  warning  to  such  as  pray  with  pride  in  the  heart. 

b.  He    hears   the    prayer    of   the    Publican    and 

approves : 
An  encouragement  to  repenting  sinners. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Humility  is  the  first  essential  of  fruitful  prayer, 
ii.  God  resists  the  proud,  and  gives  grace  to  the  humble  : 

i  Pet.  v.  5. 
iii.  Humble  prayer  pierces  the  very  clouds  of  Heaven : 

Ecclus.  xxxv.  21. 

"  He  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted." 
CC 


432  SERMON  PLANS 


216.      PRIDE. 
"  He  that  exaltetli  himself  shall  be  humbled."    Lke.  xviii.  14. 

i.  The  Pharisee  is  the  great  example  of  pride, 
ii.  It  will  be  useful  and  natural  to  consider  this  vice 

to-day. 
Found  in  almost  every  child  of  Adam. 

Pride: 

i.  An    inordinate    love    and    opinion    of    one's    own 
excellence. 

a.  Mere  admission  of  our  qualities  is  not  pride,  but 

truth. 

b.  Humility  refers  to  God  the  glory  of  them, 
ii.  A  sin : 

a.  The  first  committed  in  Heaven,  and  on  Earth. 

b.  The  greatest,  as  aimed  directly  against  God. 

c.  The  most  dangerous,  because  so  natural   and 

subtle, 
iii.  Essentially  a  lie,  and  a  theft  from  God. 

"  I  will  not  give  My  glory  to  another."     Is.  xlii.  8. 
iv.  The  very  root  of  all  sin,  hence  one  of  the  capital  sins. 

"From  pride  all  perdition  took  its  beginning."     Tob.  iv.  14. 
"Pride  is  the  beginning  of  all  sin."     Ecclus.  x.  15. 

v.  Committed  in 

a.  The  Mind:  e.g. 

1.  Attributing  one's  good  to  one's  self. 

2.  Delusion,  as  to  our  own  defects. 

3.  Impatience  at  reproof  by  lawful  authority. 

4.  Despising  others. 

"  I  am  not  as  the  rest  of  men  ...  as  this  publican." 

b.  The  Heart :  e.g. 

1.  Desire  of  praise  and  esteem. 

2.  Too  great  anxiety  as  to  results. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  433 


3.  Seeking  ever  to  have  one's  own  way. 

4.  Obstinacy. 

Pharao :  Ex.  v.  2. 

c.  Speech :  e.g. 

1.  Talking   and    boasting    of     one's    works, 

talents,  etc. 
"  I  fast  .  .  .  give  tithes  of  all." 

2.  Concealing,  or  excusing  one's  faults. 

3.  Criticizing  others,  especially  superiors. 

4.  Angry  discussions,  etc. 

d.  A  ction  :  e.g. 

1 .  Doing  our  work,  to  be  seen  and  praised  of 

men. 
The  builders  at  Babel :  Gen.  xi.  4. 

2.  Choosing  the  foremost  places. 

3.  Refusing  advice  or  assistance, 
vi.  Source  of : 

a.  Inordinate  Ambition  and  Vanity. 

b.  Hypocrisy. 

c.  Touchiness  (as  in  the  Sensitive  Plant). 

d.  Contempt  and  disdain. 

Lessons : 

i.  Avoid  pride,  as 

a.  The  sin  of  the  devils. 

b.  Hateful  before  God  and  men. 

c.  Foolish  in  itself. 

d.  The  source  of  so  many  evils, 
ii.  Remedies : 

a.  Meditate  the   example  of  Our   Lord  and  His 

Saints. 

b.  Remember  your  own  nothingness  and  sin. 

c.  Know  how  God  resists  the  proud :   i  Pet.  v.  5. 

d.  Study  the  excellence  and  beauty  of  Humility. 


434  SERMON  PLANS 


217.    THE  ASSUMPTION    OF   B.V. 

"  Mary  hath  chosen  the  l>est  part."    Lke.  x.  42. 
i.  After  Our  Lord's  death,  Mary  remained  some  years 
on  earth. 

a.  In  seclusion,  under  the  care  of  S.  John. 

b.  Giving  the  Apostles  details  of  her  Son's  life 

and  doctrine. 

ii.  Death  at  last  came  to  her,  as  to  Him. 
iii.  Then  was  she  exalted  above  all,  body  and  soul  to 

Heaven. 

For  on  earth  she  had  taken  the  best  part,  which 
led  to  life  eternal. 

The  Assumption : 

i.  The  last  of  Mary's  earthly  privileges, 
ii.  The  Ark  of  the  Covenant,  a  type  of  Mary : 

a.  It   was   of   incorruptible   wood,   figure   of   her 

incorruptible  body. 

b.  It    contained    some    Manna,   and   the    Brazen 

Serpent,  types  of  Our  Lord, 
iii.  The   sanctity  of   her  Son  preserved   her  from  the 

spiritual  corruption  of  sin. 
To   this   corresponded    preservation    from   bodily 

corruption, 
iv.  Required  by  her  relations  to  the  Son  of  God. 

a.  She  gave  Him  His  bodily  life  on  earth. 

He  restored  her  hers  after  death. 

b.  She  received  Him  corporally  into  her  home  in 

Nazareth. 
He  does  the  same  to  her  in  Heaven. 

c.  As  co-operatrix  in  the   Incarnation,  she  bene- 

fited by  it  in  body  and  soul  together. 
v.  Analogies  with  the  other  mysteries  of  her  life : 

a.  God's  works  are  a  harmonious  whole. 

b.  Now,  all  was  miraculous  or  exceptional  in  Mary : 

Her  Conception,  her  Virginity  in  maternity, 
her  Sorrows. 

c.  So  must  death  harmonize  with  the  rest — in  her 

Assumption. 

Thus  completing  the  series  of  God's  wonders 
in  her. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  435 

vi.  Similarity  between  Our  Lord's  life  and  hers :  e.g. 

a.  His  obscurity,  Presentation,  Passion  are  reflected 

in  her. 

b.  So,  His  Ascension  has  its  counterpart  in  her 

Assumption, 
vii.  Not  denned  by  the  Church,  as  a  dogma  of  faith. 

a.  Yet  clearly  her  teaching,  as  witness  this  Festival, 

b.  Such  teaching  it  would  be  rash  and  sinful  to 

deny. 

Glory  of  the  Assumption : 

i.  The  three  divine  Persons  crown  her  Queen  of  Heaven 

and  Earth, 
ii.  The  Angels,  surprised  at  her  beauty,  exclaim : 

"Who  is  she  that  cometh  forth  .   .  .  bright  as  the  sun?" 
Cant.  vi.  9. 

iii.  Ardour  of  her  parents,  rejoicing  in  such  a  daughter, 
iv.  Welcome  from  S.  Joseph,  her  earthly  Spouse, 
v.  Joy  and  homage  of  all  in  Heaven, 
vi.  Placed  on  a  throne  of  glory  and  power  near  God,  as 

a.  Mediatrix  between  God  and  man. 

b.  Comfort  of  the  Afflicted. 

c.  Refuge  of  Sinners. 

d.  Help  of  Christians. 

e.  Queen  of  Angels  and  Men. 

What  courage  and  comfort  these  titles  should 
inspire ! 

Lessons : 

i.  Honour  Mary  in  her  Assumption,  since  God  has  so 

honoured  her. 
ii.  To  obtain  her  help,  what  must  we  do  ? 

Quidqtiid  minimum,  dummodo  sit  constans.     S.Jn.  Berchmans, 

iii.  Devotion  to  her  all  through  life:  a  pledge  of  salvation, 
iv.  Beg  especially  the  grace  of  a  holy  death. 

Death  of  S.Stanislaus  Kostka  :  Nov.  13.* 


*  This  young  Saint,  of  about  eighteen  summers,  begged  of  Our 
Lady,  on  the  feast  of  S.  Lawrence,  August  loth,  that  he  might  die  on 
the  feast  of  her  Assumption  :  he  was  then  apparently  in  excellent  good 
health,  yet  his  prayer  was  heard,  and  he  died  a  saintly  death  a  few  days 
later,  on  that  very  feast,  A.D.  1568. 


436  SERMON  PLANS 


218.     TITLES   OF   MARY. 

"One  thing  is  necessary."     Lke.  x.  42. 
i.  To-day     is    Mary's    triumph — her    coronation     as 

"  Queen  of  Angels." 

ii.  Besides  this  title,  she  has  many  others  in  the  Litany, 
iii.  Suitable  occasion  to  consider  some  of  these :  e.g. 

Mystical  Rose:  Ecclus.  xxiv.  18. 

i.  The  Rose  is  considered  to  be  the  queen  of  flowers. 

a.  Most  fragrant  and  beautiful. 

b.  Yet  it  has  thorns  beneath  (that  serve  to  protect  it), 
ii.  Mary,  Queen  of  Angels,  fittingly  represented  hereby. 

a.  Her  Soul  exhaled  the  fragrance  of  all  virtue. 

1.  Every  virtue  found  a  home  in  her  heart. 

2.  Her  Immaculate  Conception,  the  source  of 

their  perfection :  for, 

3.  Sin  had  never  been  there,  to  impede  their 

growth. 

b.  Beauty  and  perfection  of  her  Body  also : 

1.  Our  Lord  the  most  beautiful  of  men. 

2.  So   His  Mother  shared  His    natural    per- 

fections. 

3.  Ever  fresh  and  fair,  with  a  beauty  leading 

men  to  God. 

4.  Amid    her  very  Dolours  too,  for  sin   had 

never  tarnished  it. 

5.  Even  in  death,  most  beautiful  to  the  eyes 

of  the  Apostles. 
What  to-day,  in  the  eyes  of  the  Angels  ! 

c.  No  thorn  in  Mary,  to  prick,  wound  or  offend. 

a.  But  her  own  heart  was  most  deeply 
wounded  in  the  Passion  :  Lam.  i.  12. 

ft.  Her  very  name,  in  Hebrew,  means 
bitterness. 

1.  To  protect  and  strengthen  our  virtue,  we 

require  a  thorn  or  two. 

2.  Mortification   is  a  thorn,  bitter  yet  most 

wholesome. 

a.  Interior:  of  the  Judgment  and  the  Will. 
ft.  Exterior :  of  the  Body,  as  to  food,  etc. 

3.  Some  degree  of  this,  necessary  to  everyone. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  437 


iii.  Invoke    the  "  Mystical   Rose "   to    obtain  you    this 
essential  grace. 

House  of  Gold : 

i.  Gold  the  most  precious  of  all  metals : 

a.  The    palace   of   Solomon   all    cedarwood    and 

costly  stone  :  3  Kgs.  vii. 

b.  The  Temple  of  Jerusalem  lined  with  cedarwood 

and  gold :  Ibid.  vi.  22. 
Both  figures  of  this  House  of  Gold  in  the  New 

Law.     For, 
ii.  Mary  was  the  house  Our  Lord  built  for  Himself. 

A  house  of  gold  surpassing  the  ancient  types. 

a.  Mary  was  "  full  of  grace  "  and  virtue. 

b.  The  gold  of  Charity,  one  of  the  chief  perfections 

of  this  House, 
iii.  Charity  is  as  gold  among  the  virtues. 

a.  Love  of  God,  above  all  and  in  preference  to  all. 

b.  Love  of  our  Neighbour,  in  God  and  for  God. 

As  the  Sun  surpasses  other  luminaries,  so  does 
Charity  the  other  virtues. 

c.  To  resemble  this  House  of  Gold,  practise  the 

golden  virtue  of  Charity. 

•Queen  of  Angels : 

i.  Great  rejoicings    in    Jerusalem,   when   David    took 

thither  the  Ark  :   i  Par.  xv. 
ii.  Mary  the  true  Ark  of  the  New  Testament. 

By  her  Purity,  her  Virtues  and  her  Office, 
iii.  At  length  she  came  to  die:  died  of  love  of  God. 

a.  Three  days  later,  her  tomb  was  opened. 

b.  Her  body  was  not  there :  but  only  fragrant  flowers, 
iv.  The  Church  has  ever  taught  her  Assumption. 

a.  In  Heaven,  she  was  received  with  acclamation. 

b.  Crowned  with  glory,  as  "  Queen  of  Angels." 

v.  If   you   desire    a    similar  crown,  walk  now  in    her 

footsteps. 

vi.  Beg  her  to-day  to  secure  you  a  share  in  her  glory. 
This  is  truly  "  the  one  thing  necessary." 


438  SERMON   PLANS 


219.     DEAFNESS   AND   DUMBNESS, 
SPIRITUAL. 

"They  bring  to  Him  one  deaf  and  dumb."     Mlh.  vii.  32. 
i.  The  goodness  and  power  of  Christ  so  well  known 

that  men  brought  Him  their  sick  to  heal. 
To-day  we  have  the  cure  of   one  who  was  deaf 

and  dumb. 

ii.  Under  this  type,  consider  those  who  are  spiritually 
deaf  and  dumb. 

Spiritual  Deafness:  towards 

i.  Superiors  (parents,  etc.),  i.e.  disobedience  : 

a.  Arising   from    pride,   setting   up   its   own  will 

against  authority. 

b.  Its  guilt  will  vary  according  to  circumstances 

(person,  command). 

c.  The  consequent  punishment  will  vary  in  like 

manner. 

Adam  and  Eve  expelled  from  Eden  :  Gen.iii.24. 
Death  of  Absalom:  2  Kgs.  xviii.  14. 

d.  How   common    nowadays   this   spiritual   deaf- 

ness :  e.g. 

Children  refuse  to  hear  their  parents'  voice. 
Servants  murmur  at  the  will  of  employers. 
The  spirit  of  rebellion  everywhere  abroad, 
ii.   Word  of  God  : 

a.  Priests   bound   to   explain  the    Faith   to   their 

flocks :  Trent,  xxiv.  iv. 
"  Wo  is  unto  me,  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel."  I  Cor.  ix.  16. 

b.  This  implies  the  correlative  duty  on  their  part 

to  hear  it. 

c.  Yet  how  many  fail  in  the  fulfilment  thereof ! 

1.  Preferring  ease  and  comfort  at  home,  or 

elsewhere. 

2.  Hearing  an  early  Mass,  without  instruction. 

3.  Or,  if  present,  hear  not,  i.e.  apply  it  not  to 

themselves. 

d.  No  wonder  their  faith  cools  down  and  perhaps 

dies  out. 

If  you  take  the  oil  from  the  lamp,  the  light 
goes  out. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  439 


e.  Ignorance  one  cause  of  the  great  defection  of 

the  1 6th  c.* 

iii.  Spiritual  deafness  thus  refuses  to  hear  those  who 
have  a  right  to  speak,  admonish  or  command. 

Spiritual  Dumbness: 

i.  Parents,  in  regard  to  children's  correction. 

a.  A  duty  too  often  omitted :  result — -a  spoilt  child  I 

"  Dumb  dogs,  not  able  to  bark/'     Is.  Ivi.  10. 

b.  In    justice :    without   fear   or   favour,   for   the 

children's  good. 

c.  In  prudence :  counsel  first,  without  passion,  in 

patience. 

Omnia  vide :  multa  dissimula  :  paitca  corrige.     S.  Aug. 

d.  Omission  of    such  duty,  a    source  of    evil  to 

parent  and  child. 
Punishment  of  Heli :   i  Kgs.  iii.  13;  iv.  18. 

e.  Responsibility  of    parents  and  others :    Ezech. 

iii.  18. 
ii.  Catholics  generally,  as  to 

a.  Neglect  of  daily  devotions. 

b.  Omission  of  Sunday  Mass. 

c.  Distractions  at  prayer. 

d.  Confession  :    allowing  the  dumb  devil  to  seal 

their  lips. 

e.  Silence :  when  they  should  inform  superiors  of 

some  abuse. 

iii.  Thus  does  spiritual  dumbness  neglect  the  duty  of 
speech. 

Lessons : 

i.  See  whether  you  suffer  from  spiritual    deafness  or 

dumbness. 

ii.  If  so,  go  in  confidence  to  Jesus,  like  the  sick  man  of 
the  Gospel. 

Since  repentance  will  obtain  a  certain  cure. 

*  Some  25,000  of  the  Clergy  fell  victims  to  the  Black  Death  in 
England,  in  the  middle  of  the  i4th  c.  This  compelled  the  Bishops  to 
ordain  young  and  inexperienced  clerics,  many  of  whom  were  also 
illiterate,  and  thus  unable  to  instruct  the  people  in  their  religion. 
This  led  to  a  weakening  of  the  Faith  and  was  one  of  the  causes  of  the 
great  defection  of  the  i6th  c.  —  Gasqitet. 


44o  SERMON  PLANS 


220.  HEALING  THE  DEAF  AND  DUMB. 

Under  the  physical  ailments  of  the  man  in  the  Gospel, 
consider  our  own  spiritual  frailties,  typified  by  them. 

Three-fold  trial: 

i.  Deafness : 

a.  Are  we  not  deaf,  spiritually,  to 

1.  What  concerns  the  work  of  salvation  ? 

2.  The  Law  of  God  and  the  maxims  of  the 

Gospel  ? 

3.  Instructions  in  God's  Word  : 

a.  By  continued  absence  from  them  ?  or, 
ft.  By  drawing  no  profit  from  them  ? 

4.  The  voice  of  conscience,  and  the  inspira- 

tions of  grace  ? 

b.  On  the  contrary,  are  our  ears  not  open  to 

1.  Uncharitable  conversations  ? 

2.  Attacks  on  morality  or  religion  ? 

3.  Words  of  foolish  flattery  ? 
ii.  Dumbness : 

a.  What  use  do  we  make  of  the  gift  of  speech  ? 

b.  Are  we  not  oftentimes  dumb  ?  e.g. 

1.  Concealing  sin  in  confession. 

2.  Neglecting  prayer  to  God. 

3.  Taking  no  part  in  public  services. 

4.  Not  defending  Charity  and  virtue,  when 

able. 

5.  Omitting  to  correct  those  under  our  care. 

c.  On  the  contrary,  do  we  not  sometimes  speak 

amiss  ?  e.g. 

1.  Words  of  cursing,  or  blasphemy. 

2.  Language  of  anger  or  abuse. 

3.  Calumny,  detraction  or  backbiting, 
iii.   Weariness,  as  a  natural  consequence : 

a.  Weariness  in  well-doing  may  come  from 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  441 

1.  Not  advancing  in  virtue,  rather  than  from 

actual  faults. 

2.  Physical  causes :  health,  weather. 

3.  The  Devil. 

4.  Past  sin,  as  a  punishment. 

5.  Want  of  recollection. 
b.  Remedies: 

1.  Constant  and  even  struggle. 

2.  Punctuality  to  duty. 

3.  Guarding  against  the  worship  of  health. 

Our  Lord's  action: 

i.  Imposition  of  hands. 

Sufficient  for  the  miracle  ;  yet, 
ii.  He  did  more  (Mrk.  vii.  33,  34),  in  order 

a.  To  instruct  His  Church :  e.g. 

Use  of  ceremonies  in  Liturgy  and  Ritual. 

b.  To  instruct  us  also  : 

1.  The  spiritually  deaf  and  dumb  are  difficult 

to  heal. 

2.  They  must  retire  apart,  and  consider  their 

state. 

3.  They  must  open  lips  and  ears  to  things  of 

God. 

4.  They  must  groan  in  prayer,  and  seek  their 

cure  from  God. 

Proofs  of  the  cure  : 

i.  The  complete  change  :  for 

The  man  heard  and  spoke  aright. 

ii.  After  receiving  the  Sacraments,  what  change  is  there 
in  us? 

a.  Are  we  healed,  or  do  we  remain  as  before  ? 

b.  Do  we  still  lend  ear  to  forbidden  discourse  ? 

c.  Do  we  still  use  the  tongue  for  sinful  ends  ? 

iii.  If   so,  their   inefficacy   in    us   would   almost   imply 

impossibility  of  cure. 
A  weighty  thought  indeed  to  dwell  upon ! 


442  SERMON  PLANS 


221.     THE   TWO-FOLD   PRECEPT. 

"Thou  shall  love  the  Lord  .  .  .  and  thy  neighbour."     Lke.  x.  27. 

i.  True  love  of  God  is  inseparable  from  love  of  our 

neighbour. 

"There  are  two  precepts,  hut  only  one  Charity."    S.  Aug. 
ii.  The  Gospel  tells  us  this  two-fold  love  is  essential  to 

salvation. 
Hi.  It  is  therefore  worthy  of  our  serious  attention. 

First  Precept :  Love  of  God. 
i.  The  very  essence  of  Charity  : 

Including   Adoration,    Homage,    Reverence    and 

Service, 
ii.  Grounded  on  God's 

o.  Infinite  perfections :  love  of  Charity. 

b.  Infinite  goodness :  love  of  Gratitude. 

1.  Length  of  His  love:  its  eternal  duration. 

2.  Breadth  :  universality  of  His  favours. 

3.  Height :  sublimity  of  His  graces. 

4.  Depth  :  humiliations  by  which  He  gained 

them. 

c.  Supreme  dominion  over  us. 

d.  Positive  command  :  Deut.  vi.  5. 
iii.  With  our  whole  HEART: 

a.  So  that  no  love  opposed  to  God  shall  enter. 

Abraham  leaving  his  country  for  God :  Gen. 
xii.  4. 

b.  So  that  God  be  the  highest  and  final  object  of 

our  love. 
Abraham  ready  to  sacrifice  his  son  :  Gen.xxii.3- 

c.  So  that  He  be  the  chief  object  of  our  affections. 

Magdalen,  at  Our  Lord's  feet :  Lke.  vii.  47. 
iv.  With  our  whole  SOUL: 

a.  Memory,  recalling  God's  benefits  of  every  kind. 

b.  Understanding,  studying  His  works  and  mercies. 

c.  Will,  resolving  to  do  all  for  His  glory. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  443 

v.  With  our  whole  MIND  : 

a.  Often  turning  to  God  in  our  thoughts. 

b.  Seeking  to  know  God  by  study,  instruction,  etc. 
vi.  With  our  whole  STRENGTH  : 

a.  With  all  fervour  and  devotion. 

b.  Striving  to  serve  God,  according  to  His  Law. 

c.  Working  only  for  God  and  His  glory  :  e.g. 

Missionaries  in  heathen  countries. 

Second  Precept :  Love  of  our  Neighbour. 

i.  All  persons,  without  exception. 

In  God  and  for  God,  otherwise  it  is  mere  philan- 
thropy, 
ii.  Because : 

a.  We  are  all  children  of  God  and  brothers  of 

Christ :  Mth.  xxiii.  9. 

b.  In  loving  them,  we  love  God :  Mth.  xxv.  40. 

c.  It    is    a   'powerful    means    to    obtain    mercy : 

i  Pet.  iv.  8. 

d.  God  commands  it :  Mth.  xxii.  39. 
iii.  Order  in  Charity  must  be  observed  :  e.g. 

a.  Our  own  soul  before  everyone  and  everything. 

b.  Our  neighbour's  soul  before  our  own  body,  in 

things  of  salvation. 

c.  Children,  parents  and  relations. 

d.  Benefactors,  friends  and  fellow-countrymen. 

e.  Our  enemies  also :  Mth.  v.  44. 

iv.  This  love  of  Charity  will  exist  and  be  perfected  in 
Heaven. 

"  Grace  does  not  destroy  Charity,  but  perfects  it."  S.  Thos.  Aq. 

v.  Without  it,  we  cannot  truly  love  God :   i  Jn.  iv.  20. 
vi.  This  love  of  others  for  God  makes  earth  a  foretaste 

of  Heaven, 
vii.  This  one  law,  if  observed,  would  dispense  with  all 

human  law. 


SERMON  PLANS 


222.  PARABLE  OF  THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN. 

i.  The  parable  of  the  Good  Samaritan,  one  of  the  most 

touching  of  all. 
ii.  Full  of  varied  instruction  and  lessons  for  each  of  us. 

Points  of  the  Parable  : 

A    CERTAIN    MAN  : 

i.  A  Jew,  hateful  to  the  Samaritans : 

The  greater  therefore  the  merit  of  the  Samari- 
tan's conduct. 

ii.  Adam  and  the  human  race,  falling  into  sin. 
iii.  Each  individual  member  of  the  human  family. 
JERUSALEM  : 

i.  The  "  Vision  of  Peace." 

ii.  The  Garden  of  Eden  and  the  state  of  innocence. 
Where  Adam  had  peace  with  God,  himself, 

Eve  and  all  creation. 

iii.  The  state  of  grace  and  friendship  with  God. 
iv.  Peace  and  joy  which  God  wishes  all  men  to  have. 
JERICHO: 

i.  The  "  moon,"  and  its  ever  varying  phases ; 

Representing    the     passing    goods    of     this 

inconstant  world. 

ii.  The  state  of  sin,  to  which  too  many  gravitate. 
THE  ROBBERS: 

i.  The  devils,  seeking  to  strip  and  wound  our  souls. 

ii.  Their  aids  and  agents — the  world  and  the  flesh. 

Often  more  successful  than  their  own  direct 

efforts, 
iii.  We  fall    into   their   hands,  when   we   yield   to 

temptation. 

iv.  Yet  we  can  resist,  for  we  have  help  at  hand 
— God's  grace. 
"  There  are  more  with  us  than  with  them."  4  Kgs.  vi.  16. 

v.  Despoiling  us  of  divine  grace,  gifts  of  the  Holy 

Ghost  and  merit. 
THE  WOUNDS,  left  in  our  soul,  are: 

i.  Darkness  in  the  Intellect,  so  that  we  see  not  the 
truth. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  445 

ii.  Weakness  in  the  Will,  whereby  we  easily  yield, 
iii.  Corruption  in  the  Heart,  prone  now  to  evil. 
THE  PRIEST  AND  LEVITE  represent 

i.  The  Old  Law,  which  could  not  repair  the  Fall. 

ii.  The  priesthood  of  Aaron,  unable  to  save  mankind. 

iii.  The   hard-hearted,   refusing   efficacious    means 

within  their  power. 

iv.  Hateful  examples  of  unfeeling  hearts. 
THE  SAMARITAN  : 

i.  Christ  Our  Lord,  who  came  to  redeem  us. 

a.  The  oil :  His  mercy  and  love,  in  the  Sacred 

Tribunal. 

b.  The  wine  :  His  Precious  Blood,  in  the  Holy 

Eucharist. 

c.  The  beast :  His  own   Humanity,  in  which 

He  suffered  for  us. 

d.  The    inn :    the    Church    He    founded    on 

earth,  which 

1.  Receives  sinners  to  her  bosom,  and 

2.  Offers  aid  and  help  to  their  souls. 

ii.  Priests  of  the  Church,  especially  in  the  tribunal 

of  Penance. 

iii.  Any  person,  doing  works  of  mercy  to  others. 
THE  HOST  : 

i.  Christ's  Vicar,  and  the  prelates  of  the  Church. 
To  these,  on  leaving  the  earth,  He  entrusted 

us  all. 
ii.  Two  pence : 

a.  Whatever  is  necessary  to  the  welfare  of 

our  souls. 

b.  The  two-fold  power  of  Order  and  Juris- 

diction. 

iii.  The  return  :  in  death  and  judgment,  to  repay, 
iv.  How  worthy  of  our  gratitude  and  love. 

Resolution  : 

i.  Be  not  as  the  rich  man,  refusing  pity:   i   Jn.  iii.  17- 

But, 
ii.  Imitate   the   good    Samaritan    towards   all,    friends 

or  foes. 
For  all  men  are  neighbours. 


446  SERMON   PLANS 


223.  PRAYER  AND  FAITH  OF  THE  LEPERS. 

"Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on  us."     Lke.  xvii.  13. 
i.  Ten  lepers  met  Jesus  on  His  way  to  Bethany, 
ii.  They  begged  Him  to  heal  them,  which  He  did. 
iii.  Admire  and  imitate  the  qualities  of  their  Prayer  and 
Faith. 

Prayer  of  the  Lepers : 

i.  Humble : 

a.  They  stood  afar  off: 

1.  As  the  Law  required:  Numb.  v.  2. ;  and, 

2.  Out  of  reverence  for  the  presence  of  Jesus. 

b.  Our  life  is  full  of  sin,  typified  by  leprosy. 

c.  We  must  therefore  recognize  our  unworthiness. 

d.  Humility  will  lead  us  to  confess  our  guilt, 
ii.  Fervent: 

a.  On  seeing  Jesus,  they  cried  out  with  a  loud 

voice;  because, 

1.  Of  their  distance,  and  their  longing  desire 

to  be  cured. 

2.  They  feared  to  lose  so  good  an  opportunity. 

b.  The  further  the  soul  is  from  God,  the  more 

should  it  appeal  to  Him. 
In   prayer — short   perhaps,  but   fervent   and 
from  the  heart. 

c.  Ii  we  feel  our  misfortune  in    being  far  from 

God  and  His  Saints, 

1.  We  shall   pray  fervently  to  be  delivered 

from  sin. 

2.  We  shall  seek  to  abandon  all  tepidity, 
iii.  Common  : 

a.  Common  misfortune  brought  these  men  together. 

b.  They  prayed  not  for  themselves  individually, 

but  all  for  each  other. 

c.  Such  prayer  (recommended  by  Our  Lord  :  Mth. 

xviii.  19)  most  effectual. 

d.  Unite  in  public  prayer,  to  obtain  God's  favours : 

i.  Where  private  prayer  fails,  public  prayer 
often  succeeds. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  447 


2.  To  fail  herein  is  to  risk  the  loss  of  many 

graces. 

3.  Yet    how   many   do    fail,   e.g.    neglecting 

Church  services, 
e.  Public  prayer  does  violence  to  Heaven. 

Faith  of  the  Lepers : 

i.  Humble  and  unmurmuring. 

a.  They  at  once  obey  the  word :  "  show  yourselves." 

b.  Our  Lord  touched  even  lepers  to  heal  them : 

Mth.  viii.  3. 

c.  Hence  this  command  seemed  to  them  strange : 

1.  They  knew  the  priests  could  not  heal  them. 

2.  They  received  no  promise  even  of  being 

healed. 

d.  Thus  was  their  faith  put  to  the  test :  while 

e.  Pride  might  have  lost  them  their  cure. 

As  Naaman  nearly  failed  through  it :  4  Kgs. 

v.  n. 
/.  We  often  wish  to  be  dealt  with  according  to 

our  ideas  :  e.g.  by  Confessor,  Superiors. 
g.  Through  this  want  of  humble  Faith,  we  lose 

much  grace, 
ii.  Simple  and  unreasoning  : 

a.  Lepers,  when  cleansed,  had  to  show  themselves 

to  the  priests, 

To  be  declared  legally  clean,  and  restored  to 
civil  life. 

b.  To  be  sent,  not  yet  cleansed,  surprised  them,  but 

they  went. 

Naaman  was  surprised  at  the  prophet's  com- 
mand :  v.  12. 

c.  Let  us  allow  ourselves  to  be  directed,  and  obey. 

1.  Such  the  homage  God  asks  and  values. 

2.  The  Lepers  reasoned  not,  but  obeyed, 
iii.  Rewarded  with  perfect  cure  : 

a.  So  with  Naaman,  when  he  obeyed:  v.  14. 

b.  So  with  all,  who 

1.  Renounce  pride  and  false  reasoning. 

2.  Obey  God's  voice  in  all  simplicity. 

3.  Submit  to  the  Church  as  to  Him. 
DD 


448  SERMON  PLANS 


224.     SACRAMENTAL  CONFESSION. 

"Go,  show  yourselves  to  the  priests."     Lke.  xvii.  14. 

i.  Words   addressed   to  the   lepers,  according    to   the 

precept  of  the  Old  Law. 
ii.  Applicable  in  the  New  Law  to  sinners,  typified  by 

the  lepers, 
iii.  Sacramental  Confession,  the  means  for  cleansing  the 

leprosy  of  sin. 

Sacramental  Confession : 

i.  Accusing  ourselves  of  our  sins  to  a  priest  approved 

by  the  Bishop, 
ii.  Typified  of  old  among  the  Jews : 

a.  Men   committing   sins   had   to   confess   them : 

Numb.  v.  7. 

b.  Mercy  promised  to  such  as  confess  and  repent : 

Prov.  xxviii.  13. 

c.  At  the  baptism  of  John,  men  confessed   their 

sins :  Mrk.  i.  5. 
iii.  Confession  of  sins  thus  already  existing,  Our  Lord 

did  not  explicitly  command  it. 
But   in    instituting  Penance,  He  presupposed    it, 
iv.  Implicitly  ordained  by  Him,  as  a  condition  necessary 

for  pardon : 
a.  He  gave  the  Church  power  to  bind  and  loosen 

sin  :  Jn.  xx.  23. 

i.  The  pastors   of   the  Church    thus   constituted 
judges  of  souls. 

c.  They   must   act   in    justice   and    discernment, 

according  to  each  case. 

d.  This  can  only  be,  by  the  sinner  declaring  his 

guilt  in  Confession, 
v.  Thus  the  power  of  absolution  is  a  judicial  power. 

a.  All  power  is  given  to  the  Son :  Jn.  v.  22. 

b.  As  the  Father  sent  the  Son,  the  Son  sent  the 

Apostles :  Jn.  xx.  2 1 . 

c.  Hence  they  share  the  judicial  power  of  Christ, 
vi.  No  sin  so  great  that  may  not  be  remitted  by  it : 

"  Whatsoever  you  shall  bind  .  .  .  loose  .  .  ."  Mth.  xviii.  18. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  449. 


a.  No   distinction    here    of    sin,   great   or   small, 

public  or  private. 

b.  S.  Paul  absolved  a  sinner  of  a  most  grievous 

crime:  2  Cor.  ii.  10. 

c.  Such  was  ever  the  teaching  and  practice  of  the 

Church. 

vii.  Not  only  pardons  sin,  but  gives  grace  and  remedies : 
Confessors  are  spiritual  physicians  of  souls : 

a.  Pointing  out  dangers,  and  means  to  avoid  them, 

b.  Discovering  to  us  the  delusions  of  Satan. 

c.  Instructing  us  in  our  duties  and  obligations. 

d.  Correcting  mistakes  of  self-love. 

e.  Encouraging  and  comforting  the  faint-hearted. 

Advantages : 

i.  Confession  the  best  means  for  reformation  of  morals : 

a.  If  men  wish  to  lead  a  Christian  life,  they  confess. 

b.  If,  to  follow  passion,  they  cease  confessing. 

c.  Hence  the  hatred  of  the  world  against  it. 
ii.  It  heals  our  pride,  and  is  a  support  of  virtue. 

iii.  Lost  merit  is  restored,  which  gives  courage  to  the 
penitent. 

iv.  Peace  of  mind  is  found  in  unburdening  the  soul. 

v.  It  even  influences  bodily  health,  calming  the  nervous 
system.* 

vi.  It  procures  restitution  of  honour,  goods  and  reputa- 
tion. 

vii.  It  remedies  evils  which  no  human  law  can  reach :  e.g* 

a.  Injuries  are  forgiven,  and  enemies  reconciled. 

b.  Scandals     are     removed,     and     evil     designs 

prevented, 
viii.  Thus  is  Confession,  though  sometimes    painful,  a 

benefit  to  all. 

Satisfying  a  want  of  the  human  heart, 
ix.  Gratitude  due  to  God,  for  His  mercy  and  love  herein. 
Best  shown  by  obeying  His  word :  "  Show  your- 
selves to  the  priests." 


*  Dr.  Badel,  a  Protestant  physician  of  Geneva,  declares  Confession 
a  cure  for  some  diseases,  owing  to  the  great  influence  the  moral  state 
has  on  the  physical  state  of  man,  and  he  recommends  its  practice  as 
advantageous  to  Society.  Leibnitz,  Luther  and  Voltaire  have  also- 
testified  to  its  good  effects. 


45o  SERMON  PLANS 


225.     THE  STUDY   OF   NATURE. 

"  Behold  the  birds  .  .  .  consider  the  lilies."     Mth.  vi.  26,  28. 

i.  By  the  study  of  Nature,  we  may  come  to  know  God. 

From  the  Creation,  rising  to  the  Creator, 
ii.  To-day's  Gospel,  as  a  secondary  lesson,  invites  us  to 

such  study. 

iii.  The  works  of  man  give  us  some  knowledge  of  man : 
iv.  The  works  of  God,  of  God :  e.g. 

Works  of  Man : 

i.  First  example  :  a  watch. 

a.  Consider  its  parts :  their  minuteness,  delicacy, 

regularity. 

b.  Our  thoughts  then   pass  to  the  mind  and  hand 

that  conceived  and  fashioned  them. 

c.  We  clearly  see  design,  hence  a  designer — the 

watchmaker, 
ii.  Second  example :  a  musical  work : 

a.  Hear  how  organ  and  orchestra  blend  together. 

b.  Then  pass  on  to  him,  who  outlined  and  com- 

pleted the  work. 

c.  Thus  you  gain  some  idea  of  the  mental  powers 

of  a  Mozart,  Wagner,  etc. 

Works  of  God : 

i.  First  example :  the  Eye. 

a.  For  vision,  a  picture  on  the  retina  is  necessary  : 

hence,  e.g. 

b.  The  eyes  of  fishes  are  rounder  than  those  of 

land  animals ;  for, 

The  laws  of  refraction  in  air  and  water  are 
different. 

c.  Adaptation  of  the  pupil  to  degrees  of  light  and 

distance. 

d.  Parts  of  the  eye  differ  according  to  needs :  e.g. 

The  whale  in  water,  the  eel  in  sand  and  mud. 

e.  All  implies  design,  hence  a  designer — God. 
/.  "  Study  of  the  eye,  a  cure  for  atheism  !  " 

ii.  Second  example :  the  Earth. 

a.  Stand  on  the  beach  and  study  the  immensity  of 
the  ocean. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  451 


b.  Carry  the  mind  further,  and  see  mountains  and 

rivers  beyond. 

c.  Consider  the  flowers,  the  animals  and  minerals. 

d.  Realize   somewhat  the  gigantic  proportions  of 

this  globe ;  then, 

e.  Form  some  idea  of  the  power  of    Him  who 

designed  it — God. 
iii.  Third  example :  the  Heavens. 

a.  The  Sun  is  a    million    times   larger  than  the 

earth.     Yet, 

b.  The  loss  of  the  whole  solar  system  would  only 

be  as  a  leaf  lost  in  the  forest. 

c.  Each  of  the  stars  is  a  colossal  world,  as  fair  as 

ours  and  greater. 

d.  Their  awful  distances  cause  them  to  seem  to  us 

so  small. 

1.  The  mind  is  overwhelmed  with  such  figures. 

2.  -How  all  earthly  glory  pales  before  such 

magnificent  systems. 

3.  Well  may  we  say :    "  What  is  man,  that 

Thou  art  mindful  of  him?"  Ps.  viii.  5. 

e.  Despite  the   telescope,  we  only  see  a  narrow 

circle  of  the  Heavens. 
/.   Then  consider  the  movements  of  the  heavenly 

bodies,  their  regularity,  etc. 
g.  Where    stop    herein,    except    limited    by    the 

imperfection  of  our  instruments  ? 

iv.  As  then  we  know  man  from  his  works,  so  the  Creator 
from  Creation. 

a.  We  gain  some  insight  into  His  mysteries,  His 

might  and  grandeur. 

b.  How   petty  and    insignificant  does    man   then 

appear !     But, 

c.  New  and  brighter  hopes  dawn  upon  him,  after 

such  reflections. 
Lessons : 

i.  Accept  the  invitation  to  study  the  works  of  Creation. 

a.  As  a  means  to  knowing  and  loving  God  better.* 

b.  As  a  source  of  information  and  pure  pleasure, 
ii.  Adoration:  Humility:  Fear:  Confidence:  Gratitude. 

*  There  is  religion  in  everything  around  us,  a  calm  and  holy 
religion  in  the  unbreathing  things  of  Nature,  which  man  would  do  well 
to  imitate. — Ruskin. 


452  SERMON   PLANS 


226,    OVER-SOLICITUDE. 

"  I  say  to  you,  be  not  solicitous."     Mth.  vi.  25. 

i.  A  certain  provident  diligence  is  praiseworthy. 

To  procure  the  necessaries  of  life,  subject  ever  to 

God's  will. 

ii.  What  Our    Lord    does    condemn   is    too  anxious 
solicitude. 

Arguments  against  it: 

i.  From  a  minor  to  a  major  probability  : 

"  Is  not  the  life  more  than  the  meat  .  .  .  ?  "  Mth.  vi.  25. 

a.  If  God  give  the  greater,  He  will  surely  give  the 

less. 

b.  Having     given     life,    He   will    grant    us    its 

necessary  support :  For, 
God  is  all  wisdom  and  goodness  and  power, 
ii.  From  the  birds  of  the  air : 

"Behold    .    .    .    your  heavenly  Father  feedeth  them." 
Mth.  vi.  26. 

a.  God   feeds  the    irrational    birds,  who  are  not 

anxious  about  their  living. 

b.  Therefore   will    He   feed    us    also,    reasonable 

beings,  redeemed  by  the   Precious  Blood  of 
His  Son. 

c.  He  does  not  compare  us  to  oxen  of  the  earth, 

but  to  the  birds. 

Like  them,  we  must  fly  in  spirit  to  Heaven  to 
seek  all  we  need. 

d.  The  migrations  of  birds.* 
iii.  From  the  inutility  of  anxiety. 

"Which  of  you  .  .  .  can  add  to  his  stature?"  Mth.vi.27. 

a.  Thought  and  solicitude  cannot  add  to  a  man's 

height. 

b.  So  anxiety  is  equally  helpless  to  prolong  his  life. 

c.  God  alone  can  increase  our  stature,  or  preserve 

life  to  its  appointed  end. 
iv.  From  the  flowers : 

"  Consider  the  lilies  of  the  field."     Mth.  vi.  28. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  453 

a.  As  lilies  grow,  they  are  clothed  in  petals,  as 

with  raiment. 

Their  elegance,  beauty  and  fragrance  are  very 
wonderful. 

b.  Solomon's  robe  was  adorned  with  embroidered 

lilies. 

Such  garments,  worn  by  princes,  typify  the 
robe  of  the  elect. 

c.  Yet  Christ  prefers  the   lilies  to  all  Solomon's 

glory. 

d.  If  then   God   so  clothe  the  grass,   how  much 

more  us. 
Over-anxiety   herein    is  born  of    distrust  of 

Providence. 
v.  From  the  practice  of  the  Gentiles  : 

"  After  all  these  things  do  the  heathens  seek."  Mth.  vi.  32. 

a.  Too  great  anxiety  about  earthly  things  is  the 

mark  of  a  Pagan. 

b.  It  is  unbecoming  in  a  Christian,  who  believes 

and  experiences  the  daily  Providence  of  God. 
vi.  From  the  omniscience  of  God  : 

"  Your  Father  knoweth  that  you  have  need."    Mth.  vi.  32. 

a.  God  truly  knows  all  our  needs  and  wants. 

b.  As  a  loving  Father,  He  will  provide  for  them. 

c.  Hence  must  we  cast  all  our  cares  on  Him. 

Lessons : 

i.  These  Our  Lord's  arguments,  to  excite  our  faith  and 

confidence  in  God. 
ii.  Too  great  anxiety  over  temporal  things  is  displeasing 

to  Him. 
iii.  If  we  seek  God  above  all,  He  will  provide ;  for, 

a.  He  knows  our  wants ;  He  is  omniscient. 

b.  He  wills  to  relieve  them  ;  He  is  a  loving  father. 

c.  He  is  able  to  do  so ;  He  is  also  omnipotent. 

iv.  Hence  in  all  things,  have  confident  recourse  to  Him. 

*  Birds  in  their  migrations  have  no  provisions  for  the  journey ; 
they  do  not  even  know  the  way :  it  matters  not :  neither  the  number 
of  miles,  nor  the  perils  of  the  sea,  nor  the  darkness  of  night  can  terrify 
them.  Confiding  in  Him  who  calls  them,  they  expect  to  rind  the  way, 
and  along  the  way  lodgings  and  provisions,  and  they  are  never  dis- 
appointed. —  Gatiwe. 


454  SERHfON   PLANS 


227.     THREE   KINDS   OF    DEATH. 

i.  To-day's  Gospel  suggests  thoughts  on  Death, 
ii.  Of  Death  there  are  three  kinds  we  may  consider : 

a.  Death  of  the  Body — natural. 

b.  Death  of  the  Soul — spiritual. 

c.  Death  to  the  World — in  religion. 

I.  Natural  Death:  (p.  366.) 

i.  Separation  of  Body  and  Soul,  as  in  the  widow's  son. 
ii.  .The  lot  of  all  men,   in  consequence  of  the   Fall : 

Hebr.  ix.  27. 
iii.  The  only  thing  certain  about  death  is  that  it  will  come. 

All  the  rest  is  most  uncertain :  how,  when  or  where  ? 
iv.  All  men  instinctively  shrink  from  it: 

a.  It  is  not  natural  to  man,  but  a  punishment. 

b.  We  may  take  lawful  means  to  delay  it. 

v.  Yet  we  must  resign  ourselves  to  it,  as  being  the 

gate  to  eternal  life. 

vi.  Above  all,  we  must  prepare  for  it,  by  a  good  life, 
vii.  We  may  lawfully  lament  the  death  of  friends,  yet 
in  resignation. 

a.  If  a  good  death,  we  may  even  rejoice  in  their 

safety. 

b.  We  must  not    mourn,  as  they   that   have  no 

hope:  i  Thess.  iv.  12. 

II.  Spiritual  Death: 

i.  Loss  of  the  supernatural  life  of  the  soul,  by  mortal  sin. 
ii.  Against  this,  we  must  fight  with  every  effort, 
iii.  Should  natural  death  supervene,  eternal  death  must 

result. 

Hence,  this  spiritual  death  is  the  greatest  of  all  evils, 
iv.  Seek  to  undo  so  great  an  evil : 

a.  In    one's    self,    by    humble    repentance    and 

amendment. 

b.  In  others,  by  prayer,  etc.  for  their  conversion. 

Firm  and   persevering,  as   in   S.  Monica  for 
her  son. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  455 

III.  Death  to  the  World: 

i.  Entering   religion,  whether  the   priesthood,   or  the 

cloister. 

ii.  All  are  called  to  perfection,  though  not  all  to  the 
same  degree. 

a.  There   are    many    mansions   on    earth,    as    in 

Heaven  ;  and, 

b.  Various   degrees    of    merit   here,    as   of   glory 

hereafter, 
iii.  In  spirituals,  as  in  temporals,  some  have  one  calling, 

some  another:  e.g. 
Some  marry,  others  do  not. 
iv.  Each  state  has  its  own  perfection  and  happiness. 

Outside  one's  own  proper  state,  there  is  no  real 

peace. 

v.  If  God  calls  to  a  higher  state,  it  is  a  grace  not  to 
be  refused. 

a.  To  reject  a  real  vocation  is  sinful  and  dangerous. 

b.  It  is  wrong  in  parents,  to  oppose  such  in  their 

children. 

vi.  Wrong  views  on  this  head,  held  both   inside   and 
outside  the  Church. 

a.  Parents  and  friends  are  aggrieved. 

b.  They   lament    the   loss   of    an    "  ornament    to 

Society,"  etc. 
vii.  Correct  such  ignorance  and  prejudice  : 

a.  Never  oppose  a  true  and  clear  vocation. 

b.  Congratulate   yourselves   on   the    honour    God 

herein  shows. 

c.  Look  upon  it  as  a  means  of  perfection. 

d.  More  is  done  by  a  life  of  prayer  than  the  world 

dreams  of. 

This  age  of  infidelity  especially  needs  it. 
viii.  Religious   Life   is    thus  a  blessing  to    Society,  too 
often  ignored  and  even  despised. 

Conclusions : 

i.  Natural  Death  :    prepare  for  it. 

ii.  Spiritual  Death  :  to  be  avoided  at  any  and  every  cost, 
iii.  Death  to  the  World :  accept  it,  if  called ;  and  never 
oppose  a  vocation. 


456  SERMON   PLANS 


228.     HUMAN    LIFE. 

From  the  Gospel  narrative  of  a  Death,  take  occasion  to 
consider  some  questions  on  Life. 

What  is  Human  Life? 

i.  A  certain  space  of  time,  measured  of  God,  and  allotted 

to  men. 

Infancy  :  Youth  :  Manhood  :  Old  age. 
ii.  Though  known  to  God,  most  uncertain  as  regards 

man. 
iii.  The  Time  so  given  is  transitory ;  for, 

"  Man  shall  go  into  the  house  of  his  eternity."    Eccles.  xii.  5. 
"We  have  not  here  a  lasting  city."     Hebr.  xiii.  14. 

iv.  Time  is  short : 

a.  Whether,  because  our  years  are  few. 

b.  Or,  because  ever  moving  on  and  never  returning, 

they  quickly  pass  away. 

c.  Hence,  the  folly  of  growing  too  much  attached 

to  the  things  of  time :   i  Cor.  vii.  29. 
v.  The  time  of  Life  is  filled  with  many  sorrows, 
vi.  Time  is  the  road  to  eternity  : 

a.  A  two-fold  eternity — happy,  or  miserable. 

b.  It  can  be  traversed  once  only,  by  each  one. 
vii.  Hence,  life  is  compared  in  Scripture  ( Wisd.  v.  9)  to : 

A  ship,  leaving  no  mark  in  the  waters. 
A  bird,  passing  through  the  air. 
A  flower,  full  of  beauty  and  soon  fading. 
A  bubble  of  air,  easily  broken. 
viii.  It  is  a  river  flowing  to  the  very  feet  of  God. 

a.  Eternal,  unchanging,  He  sees  the  river  of  time 

pass  before  Him. 

b.  On  its  bosom,  men  sail  down  to  salvation,  or 

damnation. 

ix.  Hence,  Life  is  truly  an  exile,  a  prison,  a  sojourn  in 
a  foreign  land. 

"Temporal  life  compared  to  eternal  Life  is  rather  to  be  called 
death  than  life." — S.  Greg. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  457 


x.  Yet  however  brief,  it  is  the  germ  of  immortality. 

Hence  to  be  prized,  and  used  to  the  best  advantage. 

Why  is  Life  given? 

i.  Not  for  pleasure  merely,  nor  for  wealth,  still  less  for 

sin. 

ii.  But  as  a  preparation  for  eternity,  and  a  means  to 
salvation.     For, 

a.  It  is  a  time  of  probation,  labour,  and  sowing. 

b.  A  time  of  expectation,  before  the  coming  of  the 

bridegroom  :  Lke.  xii.  35. 

iii.  Life  is  a  time  of  war,  to  be  followed  by  triumph, 
iv.  Life  is  the  time  for  Mercy,  to  be  followed  by  the  reign 
of  Justice. 

"Now  is  the  acceptable  time    .    .    .    the  day  of  salvation." 
2  Cor.  vi.  2. 

v.  Time  most  precious,  wherein  to  purchase  Heaven.* 

a.  Our  trials  may  now  merit  exceeding  great  glory  : 

Rom.  viii.  18:  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

b.  What  would  the  Blessed  give,  or  the  Lost,  for 

one  hour  of  life  ! 

Our  use  of  Life. 

i.  Let  our  days  be  full  days  :  Ps.  Ixxii.  10. 

a.  Through  the  use  of  prayer  and  the  sacraments. 

b.  By  the  works  of  mercy,  spiritual  and  corporal. 

c.  By  works  of  penance  and  reparation, 
ii.  As  to  the  Past,  regret  your  misuse  of  it. 

iii.  As  to  the  Present,  profit  by  it,  as  being  the  only  time 

you  can  call  your  own. 

iv.  As  to  the  Future,  resolve  to  utilize  it  more  than  the  past, 
v.  Act  in  this  important  affair,  like 

a.  The  painter,  who  knows  his  fortune  depends  on 

his  picture. 

b.  The   merchant,  who   seizes  every  occasion  of 

increasing  his  wealth. 

*  "  Our  whole  life  should  be  nothing  else  but  a  Lent,  to  prepare 
ourselves  against  the  Sabbath  of  our  Death,  and  the  Easter  of  our 
Resurrection. " — S.  Bernard. 


458  SERMON  PLANS 


229.     OCCASIONS   OF  SIN. 

"Jesus  went  into  the  house  of  one  of  the  Pharisees."     Lke.  xiv.  i. 

i.  Except  through  motives  of  zeal,  we  must  avoid  the 

company  of  the  wicked.     For, 

ii.  If  we  wish  to  serve  God  and  persevere,  we  must 
avoid  occasions  of  sin. 

Occasions  of  Sin : 

i.  Any   external    circumstance   which    tends   to    lead 

into  sin. 
Whether  of  its  own  nature,  or  by  reason  of  our 

frailty;  e.g. 
ii.  Examples  of  Occasions: 

Certain  Persons,  Places,  Books,  Plays,  etc. 
iii.  Kinds  of  Occasions : 

a.  Proximate,  or  Remote. 

b.  A  bsolute,  or  Relative. 

c.  Necessary,  or  Voluntary. 

iv.  By  divine  Law,  we  must  avoid  proximate,  voluntary 
occasions. 

"  If  thy  right  eye  scandalize  thee,  pluck  it  out."  Mth.  v.  29. 
"If  thy  right  hand  scandalize  thee,  cut  it  off."   Mth.  v.  30. 

To  be  avoided,  because,  otherwise, 
i.  No  absolution  can  be  obtained  for  sin. 

a.  Whither  then  can  we  turn  for  pardon  ? 

b.  We  become  as  captives,  desiring  freedom,  yet 

refusing  to  leave  prison, 
ii.  There  is  no  real  contrition  or  sincere  conversion. 

Remaining  in  occasions  of    sin   is   incompatible 

with  such  sincerity, 
iii.  The  sinner  will  surely  relapse. 

"  He  that  loveth  danger  shall  perish  in  it."     Ecclus.  iii.  27. 
"  He  that  toucheth  pitch  shall  be  defiled."     Ecclus.  xiii.  I. 
"  Can  a  man  walk    upon  hot    coals,  and   his  feet   not   he 
burnt  ?  "     Prov.  vi.  28. 

The  Devil  is  like  a  lion,  seeking  for  prey  :  i  Pet. 
v.  8 :  and  they  become  his  prey,  who  expose 
themselves  to  sin. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  459 


iv.  Our  Lord's  precept  is  clear  and  decisive :  Mth.  v.  29 

(supra).* 
Comparisons  as  to  occasions  of  sin.f 

Excuses  made : 

i.  "  I  am  firm  and  determined  now." 

a.  S.  Paul  reminds  him  that  stands  to  beware  of 

falling:   i   Cor.  x.  12. 

b.  Remember  S.  Peter,  Mth.  xxvi.  33,  70 :  David, 

2   Kgs.  xi. :  Solomon,  3   Kgs.  xi. 
ii.  "  God  will  help  me." 

a.  He  helped  the  three  children  in  the  furnace : 

Dan.  iii.  50. 

b.  He  protected  Daniel  among  the  lions:  Dan.vi.22. 

But   these   did    not   of    themselves   go   into 
danger. 

c.  To  expose  oneself   wilfully  is  to  tempt  God, 

who  is  not  mocked :  Gal.  vi.  7. 
iii.  "  I   am  converted,  and  temptations  trouble  me  no 

longer." 
Beware  !  the  enemy  is  only  sleeping,  or  pretending 

to  sleep, 
iv.  "  To  forego  this  company,  etc.  would  be  like  tearing 

my  soul  from  me." 

The  very  thing  Our  Lord  commands,  rather  than 
that  we  offend  God. 

Lessons : 

i.  Realize  the  danger  of  occasions  of  sin. 
ii.  Break   generously   with    them :    your  very  eternity 

may  be  at  stake, 
iii.  It  is  not  so  hard,  as  the  Devil  and  passion  may 

suggest, 
iv.  Prayer  and  earnestness  will  obtain  you  the  necessary 

strength. 

*  Among  Our  Lord's  words,  one  stands  out  as  most  remarkable, 
and  as  the  very  foundation  of  religion — flight  from  the  occasions  of  sin. 
Man  in  the  occasion  of  sin  has  a  choice  to  make,  either  to  leave  it,  or 
be  cast  into  hell. — S.  Bern.  Sien. 

+  Would  any  one,  with  a  body  made  of  wax,  go  near  the  fire? 
Would  any  one  sleep  near  a  lion  or  a  dragon?  What  would  happen, 
if  a  wolf  and  a  lamb  were  left  together  in  a  stable  ?  Would  he  not 
deserve  to  be  robbed,  who  should  openly  carry  a  treasure  through  a 
wood,  known  to  be  infested  by  thieves  ? 


460  SERMON  PLANS 


230.    SERVILE   WORKS. 

"  Is  it  lawful  to  heal  on  the  Sabbath  Day  ?  "     Lkc.  xiv.  3. 

i.  God,  the  author  of  time,  reserves  some  for  Himself — 

the  Sabbath  or  Sunday, 
ii.  In  the  Old  Law,  servile  work  was  forbidden  on  the 

Sabbath  :  Ex.  xx.  10. 

iii.  In  the  New  Law,  the  Sabbath   is  replaced  by  the 
Sunday ;  and 

a.  The  principle  of  rest  holds  then. 

b.  It  likewise  holds  for  holidays  of  obligation, 
iv.  Consider  now  this  matter,  too  often  neglected. 

Works  are  divided  by  theologians  into  three  classes,  viz. : 
i.  Liberal,  which  exercise  the   mind   rather  than   the 
body :  e.g. 

a.  Study,  drawing,  teaching. 

b.  Lawful,  whether  done  for  pay  or  not. 

ii.  Servile,  in  which  the  body  is  engaged  more  than  the 
mind :  e.g. 

a.  Labourer's  work,  digging,  serving,  baking. 

b.  Forbidden,  whether  done  for  pay  or  not,  or  as 

mere  occupation, 
iii.  Common,  done  equally  by  all  classes  of  persons:  e.g. 

a.  Travelling,  sailing,  games. 

b.  Permitted  or  tolerated,  if  Mass  be  heard. 

Unless  accompanied  by  labour,  scandal,  etc. 

Motives  for  resting  from  servile  work : 
i.  Not  for  mere  pleasure's  sake,  or  idleness. 

Yet  this  view  is  becoming  daily  more  common ! 
ii.  It  is  the  Lord's  Day;  hence  we  must  rest,  to  have 

time  for 
a.  Prayer : 

1.  A  most  suitable  exercise  for  Sunday. 

2.  Holy  Mass,  the  highest  form  of  prayer. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  46r 


3.  Evening  Service  (Benediction,  etc.). 

4.  Private  Devotions,  at  home. 

b.  Sacraments : 

1.  Penance  and  Holy  Eucharist,  especially. 

2.  With  more  leisure  and  care,  than  during 

the  week. 

3.  Spiritual  Communion. 

c.  Instruction  : 

1.  Wilful  ignorance  of  Religion,  a  sin  against 

Faith. 
How  great  is  this  ignorance  nowadays ! 

2.  Hence  the  duty  of 

a.  Hearing  Sermons  and  Instructions. 
/?.  Attending  Sunday  School  and  Bene- 
diction, 
y.  Reading  good  books. 

3.  Responsibility  of  parents  in  these  matters, 

Reasons,  justifying  servile  work,  if  Mass  be  heard,  when 

possible : 
i.  Necessity,  which  knows  no  law :  e.g. 

To  prepare  food  for  man  or  beast :  Mth.  xii.  i. 
To  remedy  a  sudden  accident:  Mth.  xii.  n. 
To  avoid  some  heavy  loss, 
ii.  Charity,  the  end  of  the  Law :  e.g. 
To  attend  the  sick  and  dying. 
To  assist  the  poor,  without  pay. 
iii.  Piety,  in  the  service  of  God  :  e.g. 

To  adorn  the  Church  for  a  festival. 

Without    such    excuses,    Servile    Work    desecrates   the 

Sunday : 
i.  Mortal  Sin, 

a.  If  it  be  really  laborious  ;  or, 

b.  If  done  for  a  notable  time  (say,  two  hours), 
ii.   Venial  Sin, 

If  for  a  short  time,  or  with  some  fair  reason. 


462  SERMON   PLANS 


231.     THE   DIVINITY   OF   CHRIST. 
"  What  think  you  of  Christ  ?"     Mth.  xxii.  42. 

i.  The  Pharisees  tempting  Our  Lord,  He  took  occasion 

to  instruct  them. 

ii.  They  said  He  was  Son  of  David,  i.e.  man  only, 
iii.  He  reminded  them  He  is  God  also, 
iv.  Denial  of  our  Lord's  divinity  common  nowadays — 

Unitarianism. 

See  therefore  the  grounds  on  which   the  dogma 
rests. 

Jesus  Christ  truly  God : 

I.  Scripture  declares  the  Messiah  to  be 

"  Emmanuel,"  God  with  us.     Is.  vii.  14. 
"  God,  the  Mighty."     Is.  ix.  6. 
"The  Lord,  our  just  one."    Jer.  xxiii.  6. 
"God  Himself."     Is.  xxxv.  4. 

II.  Prophecies  of  the  Messiah  fulfilled  in  Christ: 

i.  His  birth  of  the  race  of  David:  2  Kgs.  vii.  12  :  Mth. 

xx.  30. 

ii.  His  birth  from  a  virgin-mother :  Is.  vii.  14 :  Mth.  i.  25. 
iii.  His  birth  in  Bethlehem  :  Mich.  v.  2  :  Mth.  ii.  i. 
iv.  The  flight  into  Egypt:  Osee  xi.  i  :  Mth.  ii.  14. 
v.  His  resurrection  from  the  dead:    Ps.  xv.  10:    Mth. 
xxviii.  6. 

III.  The  Father  gives  testimony  : 

i.  At  Our  Lord's  baptism  :  Mth.  iii.  17. 

ii.  At  His  Transfiguration  :  Mth.  xvii.  5. 

IV.  Our  Lord's  testimony  of  Himself: 
i.  His  Words  : 

"  I  and  the  Father  are  one."     Jn.  x.  30. 

"The  Father  is  in  Me,  and  I  in  the  Father."     Jn.  x.  38. 

"  He  that  seeth  Me  seeth  the  Father  also."    Jn.  xiv.  9. 

The  truth  of  these  words  is  confirmed  by : 


ON    THE   GOSPELS  463 


ii.  His  Miracles,  never  denied  :  e.g. 

The  change  of  water  into  wine  :  Jn.  ii.  9. 

Feeding  the  multitudes:  Mth.  xv.  37. 

Healing  the  sick :   Mth.  xiv.  36 :    Mrk.  vii.   35 : 

Lke.  v.  13. 
Raising  the  dead,  especially  Himself :  Jn.  xi.  44 : 

Mth.  xxviii. 

iii.  His  Prophecies  of  the  future  known  only  to  God :  e.g. 
The  Betrayal  by  Judas:  Mrk.  xiv.  18. 
The  Denial  by  Peter :  Mth.  xxvi.  34. 
The  manner  of  His  Death  :  Mth.  xxii.  19 :  Mrk. 

x.  34. 

The  Destruction  of  the  Temple :  Mth.  xxiv.  2. 
iv.  His  Death  itself : 

Condemned  for  claiming  to  be  the  Son  of  God : 
Mth.  xxvi.  66. 

V.  The  Apostles  give  testimony : 
i.  Their  Words  and  Teaching  : 

"  Thou  art  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God."     Mth.  xvi.  16. 
"In  the  beginning  .  .  .  the  Word  was  God."    Jn.  i.  I. 
"Christ  .   .  .  God  blessed  for  ever."     Rom.  ix.  5. 
"  Let  all  the  angels  of  God  adore  Him."     Hebr.  i.  6. 

ii.  Their  Miracles,  through  His  power :  e.g. 

Conversion  of  3,000  by  S.  Peter  :  Acts  ii.  41. 
Healing  the  sick:  Acts  iii.  6  :  v.  15. 
The  conversion  of  the  world. 

VI.  The  Church's  teaching:  e.g. 
i.  The  form  of  Baptism. 

ii.  The  Creeds  and  Symbols  of  Faith, 
iii.  The  condemnation  of  Arius  :  A.D.  325. 

Lessons : 

i.  Adoration  and  love  due  to  Jesus  Christ,  as  God. 
ii.  His  presence  in   the  Blessed   Sacrament  demands 

the  same. 
Recognize  these  duties  in  thought,  word  and  act. 

EE 


464  SERMON  PLANS 


232.     THE   HUMANITY  OF  CHRIST. 

"Whose  Son  is  He?    They  say  to  Him  :  David's."     Mth.  xxii.  42. 
i.  These  words  show  forth  the  Humanity  of  Christ,  Our 
Lord. 

a.  He  came  of  the  royal  race  of  David. 

b.  Born  of  a  human  Mother,  in  human  form. 

ii.  Thus  must  we  believe  not  only  that  Christ  is  God, 
but  also  that 

Christ  is  truly  Man: 

From  the  time  of  His  Incarnation  only,  being  God 

from  eternity, 
i.  Having  a  BODY: 

a.  Real  human  flesh,  mangled  in  His  Passion  and 

Death. 

b.  Real  human  blood,  shed  amid  His  sufferings. 

c.  Members  of  the  body,  pierced  on  the  Cross. 

d.  Like  ours : 

1.  Not  a  new  creation,  or  a  new  type:  but, 

2.  Flesh  and  blood  of  Adam,  as  in  each  of  us. 

3.  Most  perfect  in  organization,  yet  passible 

and  mortal ;  but, 

4.  Not  affected  by  concupiscence, 
ii.  Having  a  SOUL: 

a.  Most  beautiful  and  perfect. 

b.  Overflowing  with  grace,  and  adorned  with  every 

virtue. 

c.  Like  ours : 

1.  Real  human  Intellect: 

a.  In  all  but  infinite  perfection. 
/?.  Not  affected  by  the  Fall, 
y.  Wonderful  knowledge,  etc.  at  His  very 
conception. 

2.  Real  human  sensibility  and  Memory  : 

a.  Of  most  exquisite  capacity. 

ft.  Feeling  sorrow,  love,  compassion,  etc.: 

The    agony   in    the    garden :    Mth. 
xxvi.  39. 

His  affection  for  S.John  :  Jn.  xx.  2. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  465 

3.  Real  human  Will  : 

a.  Distinct  from  the  Divine  Will ;  yet, 
/?.  Ever  in  harmony  with  It :  e.g. 

The    prayer   in   the   garden  :    Mth. 

xxvi.  39. 

iii.  As  with  us,  Our  Lord's  death  resulted  from  separa- 
tion of  soul  and  body :  Jn.  xix.  30. 

Proofs  of  Our  Lord's  Humanity : 

i.  The  Old  Testament  declares  Him  to  come  of  human 

seed : 

"  She  shall  crush  thy  head."     Gen.  iii.  15. 
"In  thy  seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be  blessed." 
Gen.  xxii.  18  :  xxvi.  4. 

ii.  Prophets  foretold  many  details  of  Our  Lord's  life. 

Such  as  could  only  refer  to  His  Humanity:  e.g. 

"  They  gave  Me  gall  for  My  food  .  .   .  and  vinegar  to  drink." 

Ps.  Iviii.  22. 
"I  have  given  My  body  to  the  strikers."     Is.  1.  6. 

iii.  The  New  Testament  declares  the  Humanity. 

"The  Word  was  made  Flesh."    Jn.  i.  14. 

"  See  My  hands  and  feet :  handle  and  see."     Lke.  xxiv.  39. 

iv.  The  Church  teaches  it : 

Condemning  the  Monophysites  in  the  Cl.  of  Chalce- 

don,  A.D.  451. 
v.  Reason  itself  requires  it : 

a.  As  human  nature  sinned,  so  must  human  nature 

atone. 

b.  Yet  Christ,  if  not  truly  man,  could  not  have 

suffered. 
Then,  we  should  not  have  been  redeemed ! 

Thus  is  Jesus  Christ  both  God  and  Man,  by  the  Hypo- 
static  Union  of  Divinity  and  Humanity,  in  the  one 
Person  of  the  Son  of  God. 

i.  A  chief  exhibition  of  God's  wondrous  love  for  man. 
ii.  Seek  to  increase  your  knowledge  and  love  of  this 

great  mystery, 
iii.  Jesus  is  truly  present  in  His  Humanity  also  on  our 

altars. 

iv.  To  Him  therein  present  your  human  sorrows  and  trials. 
With     personal    experience    of     them,    He    can 
sympathize  with  you. 


466  SERMON   PLANS 


233.      SLOTH. 

"They  brought  to  Him  one  sick  of  the  palsy."     Mth.  ix.  2. 
i.  Paralysis    is    in    several    ways    a    type   of    sloth : 

A  Lap.  in  loc. 

ii.  Sloth,  spiritual  or  corporal,  worthy  of  serious  con- 
sideration. 

Sloth : 

i.  An  inordinate  love  of  ease,  a  langour  of  soul  and 

body. 

ii.  A  passion  most  dangerous  to  salvation  ;  for, 
a.  All  virtue  implies  and  requires  effort :  e.g. 
I.  But  sloth  is  the  very  opposite  of   effort,  and 

cannot  make  it. 
c.  Hence  the  difficulty  of   overcoming  it :  hence 

too  its  danger, 
iii.  Recognized  in : 

a.  Indifference. 

1.  Easy-going     disposition,    which     nothing 

disturbs. 

2.  Warnings  and  reproof  have  no  effect. 

b.  Want  of  perseverance : 

Beginning  many  things,  continuing  none. 

c.  Sadness  and  low  spirits ;  or, 

d.  Dissipation,  or  work  that  is  useless  and  without 

profit. 
t.  Seeking  ease,  rest  and  comfort. 

"Goto  the  ant,  O  sluggard,  and  consider  her  ways." 
Prov.  vi.  6. 

/.  Procrastination,  "  the  thief  of  time." 

The  five  foolish  Virgins  :  Mth.  xxv.  3. 

Coming  late  to  Service,  Easter  duty,  etc. 

Going  late  to  work.  (What  of  restitution  ?) 
g.  Neglect  of  the  duties  of  one's  state. 

The  slothful  servant:  Mth.  xxv.  18. 

Wasting  time  in  useless  visits,  reading,  etc. 
/;.  Loquacity:  i  Tim.  v.  13. 


THE   GOSPELS  467 


iv.  A  capital  sin,  as  cause  of  many  others  : 

"Idleness  hath  taught  much  evil."     Ecclus.  xxxiii.  29. 
"  The  mother  of  every  vice." 

a.  Aversion  to  duty,  because  of    the  effort  duty 

implies. 

b.  Inconstancy,  and  tepidity  of  soul. 

So  difficult  to  cure,  and  so  hateful  to  God  : 
Apoc.  iii.  1  6. 

c.  Impurity.* 

d.  Temptations,  especially  to  despair. 

The  Bird  and  the  Devil.  f 

e.  Injury  even  to  health  of  mind  and  body. 

/.  Loss  of  time  and  merit  here,  of  glory  hereafter. 

"  When  steeped  in  sloth,  the  mind  rusts."     S.  Antony. 
g.  Want  of  method  and  order. 

Resolution  to  remedy  all  this,  by 

i.  Strengthening  God's  love  in  the  heart. 
ii.  Seeking  divine  courage,  in  prayer  and  the  sacraments. 
iii.  Reading  the  lives  of  Christ  and  His  Saints. 

S.  Alphonsus'  vow  never  to  lose  a  moment  of  time  ! 

"  What  so  many  have  done,  canst  thou  not  do,  my  soul?" 
6".  Aug. 

iv.  Remembering  the  account  we  must  give  in  death. 
v.  Thinking   of    Heaven,  the   reward   of    our  efforts  : 
Mth.  xi.  12. 


*  S.  Augustine,  withdrawn  early  from  school,  through  his  father's 
inability  to  pay  for  his  education,  fell  into  sloth  and  indolence,  whence 
arose  those  temptations  and  disorders,  which  filled  so  many  years  of 
his  after-life. — His  Life:  Aug.  28. 

+  A  bird  will  not  build  its  nest,  nor  even  alight  on  the  arms  of  a 
windmill,  so  long  as  they  are  in  motion  ;  so  the  devil  can  find  no  rest, 
no  power  over  those  who  are  busy  and  occupied,  but  only  over  the 
lazy  and  idle  ;  for,  when  the  mind  is  pre-engaged,  there  is  no  room 
for  temptation  to  enter  in. — Mansi. 


468  SERMON  PLANS 


234.     INDULGENCES. 

i.  Bodily  diseases  are  often  the  punishment  of  sin. 
ii.  In  the  case  of  the  paralytic,  Our  Lord 

a.  First  remitted  him  the  guilt  of  sin. 

b.  Then  healed  his  bodily  suffering. 

iii.  Thus  does  the  Church  act  in  regard  to  Indulgences. 

Indulgences : 

i.  Remission,  or  forgiving  of  the  temporal  punishment 

due  to  sin. 
ii.  Of  various  kinds  :  e.g. 

a.  Plenary:  entire  blotting  out  of  all  punishment 

due. 

b.  Partial :  remission  of  a  portion  only. 

c.  Local :  attached  to  a  place :  e.g.  visiting  a  Church. 

d.  Real :  applied  to  things :  e.g.  Rosary  beads. 

e.  Personal:  granted  to  persons,  confraternities, 
iii.  General  conditions  for  gaining  them. 

a.  Membership  of  the  Church. 

b.  Intention  to  gain  them. 

c.  State  of  grace,  in  those  who  benefit  by  them. 

d.  Performance  of  the  works  prescribed. 
iv.  Application  of  them  :  either 

a.  To  the  person  gaining  them  :  or, 

b.  To  the  souls  in  Purgatory,  by  way  of  suffrage,  if 

1.  Made  applicable  to  them  by  ecclesiastical 

authority,  and 

2.  He  choose  so  to  apply  them. 

v.  Thus  Indulgences  are  in  no  sense  a  permission   to 

commit  sin ! 
vi.  Granted  from  the  treasury  of  the  Church,  viz. : 

1.  The  infinite  merits  of  Our  Lord's  Passion. 

2.  The  wondrous  merits  of  His  sinless  Mother. 

3.  The    superabundant    satisfactions    of   the 

Saints. 


ON  THE  GOSP£L$  463 

a.  By  virtue  of  the  Communion  of  Saints. 

b.  To  promote  good  works,  by  the  offer  of  reward. 

c.  To  give  honour  to  God,  encouraging  a  fear  of  sin. 

d.  To  secure  the  greater  good  of  souls,  through  the 

practice  of  virtue, 
vii.  Given  through  the  Church,  on  the  authority  of  Christ 

Himself:  Mth.  xvi.  19. 
viii.  A  remission  of  temporal  punishment. 

a.  All  sin  implies 

1.  Guilt,  to  be  forgiven. 

2.  Punishment,  to  be  borne  here  or  hereafter. 

b.  God  often  remits  sin,  without  its  penalty :  e.g. 

Adam  and  Eve  pardoned,  yet  condemned  to 

sorrows :  Gen.  iii. 
David  forgiven,  but  punished :  2  Kgs.  xii.  14 

c.  The  punishment  of  sin  may  be 

1.  Eternal:  remitted  by  Confession, or  perfect 

Contrition. 

2.  Temporal :    remitted,    e.g.    through     Indul- 

gences, 
ix.  After  the  guilt  of  sin  is  pardoned  : 

a.  A  first  essential  for  gaining  Indulgences. 

b.  No  remission  of  debt  is  possible,  so  long  as  guilt 

remains. 

As,  before   healing  the  paralytic,  Our  Lord 
forgave  his  sins. 

Lessons : 

i.  Gratitude  to  God  and  His  Church,  for  the  favour  of 

Indulgences. 

ii.  Try  to  value  them,  and  to  gain  them  in  numbers.* 
iii.  In  the  next  world,  you  will  find  you  have  gained  too 

few. 
iv.  Guard  against  even  lesser  sins,  which  accumulate 

such  a  debt  of  temporal  punishment. 


*  The  man  who  gains  all  the  Indulgences  within  his  reach  is  not 
far  from  being  a  saint ;  for  such  practice  implies  fervour,  humility  and 
contrition.  — Faber. 


470  SERMON  PLANS 


235.     PARABLE  OF  THE   WEDDING 
GARMENT. 

i.  The  object  of  this  parable  is  to  show 

a.  What  God  has  done  for  us ;  and, 

b.  What  we  must  do  in  return. 

ii.  Consider  the  chief  points  of  the  parable. 

The  others  only  serve  to  adorn  or  complete  the 
narrative. 

Points  of  the  Parable : 
THE  KING: 

i.  God    Himself,   truly    King   in    His   Goodness, 

Wisdom  and  Power, 
ii.  Very   different   from   kings   of  earth,  so   frail, 

weak  and  finite, 
iii.  King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords :   i  Tim.  vi.  1 5. 

How  happy,  they  who  serve  Him ! 
THE  MARRIAGE-FEAST: 

i.  The  Church  Militant,  wherein  we  find 

a.  The  spiritual  food  of  grace  in  abundance. 

b.  The     Sacraments,    especially    the     Holy 

Eucharist. 

c.  The  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 

d.  Prayer,  and  the  Divine  Word. 

e.  The  examples  of  Christ  and  His  Saints. 

ii.  The  Church  Triumphant,  where  we  shall  feast  for 
ever, 

a.  On  the  Beatific  vision. 

b.  In  the  joys  and  love  of  the  Blessed, 
iii.  A  banquet  worthy  of  God  to  give. 

THE  GUESTS  : 

i.  The  Jews,  and  especially  their  leaders. 

a.  Primarily  and  peculiarly  called  of  God. 

b.  Refusing  the  invitation  ;  even  killing  those 

who  brought  it. 


OH  THE  GOSPELS  471 


ii.  The  Gentiles,  called  to  replace  the  Jews, 
iii.  Each  individual  soul. 
THE  SERVANTS  : 

i.  The  Prophets ;  the  Baptist ;  the  Apostles, 
ii.  Bishops  and  Priests  of  the  Church, 
iii.  Whose  duty  it  is  to  lead  men  to  God :  aTim.iv.  2. 
iv.  Whose   voice   and    invitation   we    must   heed : 

Lke.  x.  1 6. 
THE  ENTRANCE  OF  THE  KING. 

i.  Christ  Our  Lord  coming  at  the  last  day. 

King  of  the  living  and  the  dead,  to  whom  all 

judgment  is  given  :  Jn.  v.  22. 
ii.  Who  will  meet  His  guests,  and  examine  all. 
iii.  God,  at  the  death-bed  of  each  one. 
THE  GUEST  WITHOUT  THE  WEDDING  GARMENT. 
i.  Every  Christian  deprived  of  divine  grace, 
ii.  Members  of  the  Church,  having  Faith,  but  not 

Charity.     For, 
iii.  The  Wedding  Garment  is 

a.  Grace,  bestowed  in  Baptism,  or  regained 

in  Penance. 
The  Royal  Present.* 

b.  A  holy  life,  full  of  good  works  and  merit. 
THE  EXTERIOR  DARKNESS. 

i.  Outside  the  banqueting-hall.f 
ii.  Eternal  damnation  in  Hell. 

Lessons : 

i.  Having   received   the   wedding    garment   of   grace, 

preserve  it  unspotted, 
ii.  All  are  called  to  the  banquet  in  Heaven,  though  few 

only  accept ! 

*  In  the  East,  a  King,  on  sending  an  invitation,  sent  the  guest 
garments  to  fit  him  to  appear  in  the  royal  presence :  to  come,  then, 
without  them  was  an  insult — God  gives  us  the  garment  of  grace, 
without  which  we  may  not  appear  before  Him. 

t  Marriages  and  banquets  among  Orientals  used  to  be  held  at 
night,  hence  anyone  expelled  therefrom  was  cast  into  the  cold  and 
darkness  of  night. 


47*  SEKMON  PLANS 


236.     FEWNESS  OF  THE   ELECT. 

"  Many  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen."     Mth.  xxii.  14. 

i.  These  words  should  inspire  great  awe  and  fear.    For, 
ii.  Many  hold  the  number  of  the  lost  to  exceed  that  of 

the  saved ; 
(Though  this  is  not  the  only  view  taken  of  the 

subject.) 
iii.  No  one  knows  among  which  he  may  finally  be  placed. 

Emblems  of  this  Fewness : 

i.  The  Deluge :  Gen.  vii. 

a.  Noah  and  his  family  alone  of  the  human  race 

escaped. 

b.  The    world     is     inundated    with     crime    and 

consequent  punishment, 
ii.  Lot :  Gen.  xix. 

a.  He,  with  wife   and   daughters,  alone   escaped 

from  Sodom. 

b.  The  world  is  like  Sodom ;  most  of  the  lost  are 

lost  through  lust, 
iii.  The  Entrance  into  Cana:  Numb.  xiv. 

a.  Of  600,000,  only  2  reached  the  promised  land. 

b.  A  type  of  Heaven,  whither  few  do  enter. 

iv.  The    Ruin    of   Damascus,   wherein    the    saved    are 
likened  to 

a.  The  gleanings  in  the  harvest  field  :  Is.  xvii.  5. 

b.  The  few  grapes  left  after  the  vintage :  Ibid.  6. 

Fewness  of  the  Elect : 
i.  The   greater   number  of   men    are  Infidels,  Turks, 

Heretics, 
ii.  Of  Catholics,  some  hold  the  majority  are  saved  :  for, 

a.  Most  children  die  baptized. 

b.  Most  adults  receive  the  last  Sacraments. 

c.  Only  one  of  the  guests  in  the  parable  was  cast 

out. 
iii.  But  reason  and  authority  hold   the  contrary  as  to 

Christian  adults. 
a.  Consider  the  Emblems,  above. 


OAT   THE  GOSPELS  473 

b.  The  greater  number  of  Christians  live  in  mortal 

sin. 
As  they  live,  so,  generally,  do  they  die. 

c.  Many  refuse  to  overcome  their  sinful  habits. 

d.  Many  live  in  utter  indifference  to  religion. 

e.  Many  live  in  injustice  and  neglect  of  restitution. 
/.  Real   purpose  of   amendment  is   difficult,  and 

many  deceive  themselves. 

1.  This    is   especially   true    in   sickness   and 

death. 

2.  Many  confessions  of  sinners  in  death  are 

worse  than  in  life. 
g.  Many   fall,   even    after   Confession    made    in 

danger  of  death. 
h.  Numbers  die  without  the  Sacraments  (battles, 

accidents,  etc.). 
i.   Many  receive  them  unworthily. 

Few    Confessions    are    sincere,   when    made 

only  at  death. 
j.  Salvation  is  a  work  above  the  powers  of  nature. 

1.  Now,  man  is  much  weakened  by  sin. 

2.  In  death,  after  a  life  of  sin,  he  has  not 

strength  to  resist. 

3.  Thus  salvation  becomes  most  difficult, 
iv.  Scripture  seems  to  suggest  it : 

"  Strait   is   the  way  .  .  .    and   few  there  are   that    find   it." 
Mth.  vii.  14. 

v.  Many  of  the  Fathers  hold  the  same :  e.g. 

S.  John  Chrysostom  :  *  S.  Augustine  :  S.  Gregory. 

Lessons : 

i.  See  here  reason  to  fear,  and  to  work  out  salvation  in 

trembling  :  Phil.  ii.  12. 

ii.  Examine  your  conscience  as  to  its  present  state, 
iii.  Strive   to    make   sure   your   calling   and    election : 

2  Pet.  i.  10. 
iv.   Remember  you  have  but  one  soul : 

If  that  be  saved,  all  is  saved :  if  lost,  all  is  lost. 


*  "  How  many,  think  you,  will  be  saved  of  this  city  of  Antioch? 
It  is  an  unpleasant  thing,  but  say  it  I  must :  of  the  100,000  and  more 
inhabitants  of  Antioch,  scarce  100  will  be  saved,  and  even  of  those 
I  have  my  doubts." — S.John  Chrysostom. 


.,74  SERMON  PLANS 


237.     THE   EXISTENCE  OF   EVIL. 

i.  God  is  infinite  in  Wisdom,  Goodness  and  Power, 
ii.  We  might  therefore  expect  to  find  the  universe  free 

from  evil, 
iii.  Yet  the  world  is  full  of  it : 

a.  Moral  evil :  sin,  and 

b.  Physical  evil :  sufferings  of  every  kind. 

Example  of    the  ruler's  son  ;  and  our  own 

experience. 

iv.  This  existence  of   evil,  an    objection  against  God, 
worth  considering. 

Moral  Evil: 

i.  Essentially  connected  with  the  possession  of  free- 
will by  man. 

a.  God  created  him  free,  and  will  not  hinder  even 

sinful  acts. 

b.  If   he  were  not  free,  he  would  be  unable  to 

choose,  and  so  to  merit, 
ii.  Thus,  God  is  not  the  cause  of  moral  evil. 

a.  To  have  free-will,  even  with  the  power  to  sin, 

is  a  good, 
i.  It  makes  us  like  to  God,  and  offers  Him  higher 

homage  than  the  brutes  can. 
iii.  God  permits  evil,  which  is  indeed  a  mystery. 

a.  Yet  we  know  God  is  all  sanctity,  and  forbids 

all  sin,  and, 

b.  The  divine  attributes  and  the  existence  of  sin 

cannot  be  shown  to  be  contradictory, 
iv.  God  wills  good,  though  permitting  evil,  not  forcing 
our  will. 

a.  If  we  avoid  sin,  He  will  reward  us. 

b.  If  we  commit  it,  He  will  punish. 
v.  God  draws  good  out  of  evil. 

Even  as  the  bee  makes  honey  from  poisonous 

flowers. 
Example  of  the  history  of  Joseph  :  Gen.  I.  20. 

Physical  Evil: 

i.  The  consequence  and  punishment  of  moral  evil : 
a.  Through  sin,  even  the  material  world  became 
tainted:  Gen.  iii.  17. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  475 


b.  Sufferings  of  mind  and  body  were  the  result. 

How  great  then  the  malice  of  sin  before  God  ! 
ii.  God  is  not  bound  to  do  for  creatures  all  the  good 

He  can. 
iii.  Nor  is  He  bound  to  give  them  more  than  He  has. 

Had  He  bestowed  more,  more  might  still  be  asked. 
iv.  Good  often  comes  from  physical  evil :  e.g. 

a.  Suffering  patiently  borne  is  meritorious. 

1.  Hence  the  just  always  have  their  share  of 

sorrow. 

2.  Yet  we  shall  not  be  tried  beyond  endurance: 

i  Cor.  x.  13. 

The  potter  does  not  leave  his  vessels  too 
long  in  the  fire,  lest  they  crack. 

3.  God  acts,  as  a  physician  with  his  patients : 

To  those  he  has  hopes  of  he  gives  bitter 
medicines. 

b.  Suffering  is  a  means  of  expiating  sin  : 

1.  Sin  must  be  atoned  for,  here  or  hereafter. 

2.  It  is  easier  and  more  effectual  now,  than 

in  Purgatory. 

c.  It  detaches  the  heart  from  things  of  earth. 

Example  of  holy  Job  :  ii. 

d.  In  all  that  befalls  us,  God  wills  our  good. 

The  sale  of  Joseph  brought  him  honour  and 
power :  Gen.  xli.  40. 

The  captivity  of  the  Jews  spread  the  know- 
ledge of  God :  Tob.  xiii.  4. 

The  expulsion  of  Religious  Orders  christian- 
izes the  lands  of  exile. 

e.  Many  owe  their  conversion  to  their  trials : 

S.  Norbert,  and  the  thunderbolt :  June  6. 
v.  Physical  evil  is  thus  not  essentially  evil,  and  is  not 
from  God. 

Conclusion : 

i.  Though  evil  be  a  mystery,  let  it  not  make  us  rebel 

against  God. 
ii.  The  mystery  will  be  cleared  up,  and  God's  ways 

justified  of  men. 

iii.  Faith  in  a  future  life  helps  to  explain  the  difficulty, 
iv.  Resignation  in  trials  will  be  our  best  support  therein. 


476  SERMON   PLANS 


238.     VENIAL  SIN. 

"  The  fever  left  him."    Jn.  iv.  52. 

i.  Fever  may  be  considered  as  typical  of  venial  sin.    For, 
What  fever  does  in  the  body,  venial  sin  does  in 

the  soul, 
ii.  Consideration  of  the  evil  of  Venial  Sin  very  salutary. 

Venial  Sin: 

i.  An  offence  which  does  not  kill  the  soul,  yet  displeases 

God,  and  often  leads  to  mortal  sin. 
ii.  After  mortal  sin,  the  greatest  evil  before  God. 
iii.  Hence  we  may  never  commit  venial  sin,  for  any  good 
whatever :   Rom.  iii.  8. 

a.  Not,  to  convert  the  world. 

b.  Not,  to  extinguish  the  flames  of  Hell ! 
iv.  Examples  of  venial  sin  : 

a.  Murmuring  against  superiors. 

b.  Laughing  and  talking  in  Church. 

c.  Wilful  distractions  at  prayer. 

d.  Small  thefts,  etc. 

v.  Some  are  indifferent  as  to  venial  sin : 

Because  they  do  not  realize  its  malice.      Hence 
reflect,  that 

Venial  Sin  displeases  God : 

i.  It  breaks  His  Law,  even  though  in  small  matter  only. 
As  an  offence  against  an  infinite  God,  it  is  greater 

than  temporal  evils, 
ii.  It  dims  the  beauty  of  the  soul,  as  fever  disfigures  the 

body. 

A  terrible  vision.* 
iii.  It  weakens  Faith  and  the  hatred  of  sin. 

41  Familiarity  breeds  contempt." 
As  bodily  ailments  injure  our  strength. 
iv.  It  checks  the  reception  of  God's  graces, 
v.  It  produces  lukewarmness,  so  hateful  to  God:  Apoc. 
iii.  16. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  477 

vi.  God  has  often  punished  venial  sin,  even  in  this  life : 

Mary  murmuring  against  Moses:  Numb.  xii.  10. 

The  diffidence  of  Moses:  Numb.  xx.  12. 

The  vanity  of  David:  2  Kgs.  xxiv.  15. 

Oza,  touching  the  Ark :   i  Par.  xiii.  10. 
vii.  Punishment  of  venial  sin  in  Purgatory,  painful  and 

long. 

Venial  Sin  leads  to  mortal  sin : 

"  He  that  contemneth  small  things,  shall  fall  by  little  and 
little."     Ecclus.  xix.  i. 

i.  No  number  of  venial  sins,  as  such,  ever  constitute  a 

mortal  sin. 

ii.  But  fever  or  wounds  unheeded  may  lead  to  death, 
iii.  So,  frequent  venial  sin  may  gradually  lead  to  spiritual 

death, 
iv.  The  greatest  things  oft  take  their  rise  from-  small 

beginnings  :  e.g. 
A  river,  from  a  spring. 
A  tree,  from  a  seed. 
Death,  from  a  cold. 
v.  So,  mortal  sin  often  comes  from  the  easy  commission 

of  venial  sin. 
A  glance  of  the  eye  led  David  to  adultery :  2  Kgs. 

xi.  2. 

History  of  Judas  in  the  Gospel. 

vi.  The  line  of  separation  between  mortal  sin  and  venial 
is  often  difficult  to  define. 

Lessons : 

i.  Realize  the  evil  and  danger  of  venial  sin. 
ii.  See  how  hateful  it  is  to  the  God  of  all  Sanctity, 
iii.  Hence  resolve  to  avoid  it  in  every  form. 

Pray  daily,  like  S.  Philip,  that  God  may  guard  you 
against  it. 

*  A  great  servant  of  God  once  prayed  that  he  might  be  allowed  to 
see  his  soul  as  it  then  appeared  before  the  Divine  Majesty.  His  prayer 
was  heard,  and  he  saw  in  a  vision  his  soul  in  which  there  were  a  few 
venial  sins;  but  he  immediately  prayed  that  the  vision  might  be  removed, 
as  he  felt  that  otherwise  he  would  die  of  fright. 


478  SERMON  PLANS 


239.     PURGATORY. 

"Delivered  him  to  the  torturers,  until  he  paid  all  the  debt." 
Mtli.  xviii.  34. 

i.  The  torturers  of  the  parable  may  represent  to  us  the 

flames  of  Purgatory, 
ii.  Purgatory  is  a  place  where  souls  suffer  for  a  time 

after  death,  on  account  of  their  sins, 
iii.  The  approach  of  November  justifies  meditation  on 
this  subject. 

Purgatory : 
i.  A  Place: 

a.  Definite  spot  beneath  the  earth  :  S.  Thos. 

b.  But  nothing  is  defined  by  the  Church  on  this  head. 

c.  Purgatory  will  cease  at  the  last  day. 
ii.  Souls : 

a.  Not    bodies:    these    go  to   the  tomb   till   the 

Resurrection. 

b.  Defiled  with  venial  sin,  not  remitted  in  life:  or, 

c.  Having  punishment  still  due  to  forgiven  sin. 

d.  Holy  and  in  union  with  God,  because 

1.  They  are  sure  of  salvation. 

2.  They  are  now  impeccable. 

3.  They  are  resigned  to  the  Divine  Will. 

e.  Enjoying   even   a  certain    happiness    in   these 

thoughts, 
iii.  Suffer: 

a.  Pain  of  sense  : 

1.  Fire  and  darkness,  as  in  Hell. 

Hence  the  petition  :  locum  refrigerii,  lucis 
et  pads. 

2.  Less  than   in  Hell,  because  of  Hope  and 

Charity. 

3.  Greater  than  any  sufferings  on  earth. 

4.  Nothing  more  defined  about  these  sufferings. 

b.  Pain  of  Loss  of  the  Beatific  Vision. 

i.  Their  Faith  realizes  the  holiness  of  God  and 
their  own  guilt. 


ON  THE   GOSPELS  479 

2.  Their  Hope  makes  them  yearn  to  be  with 

their  Creator. 

3.  Their  Charity  intensifies  their  grief  for  sin, 

and  thirst  for  Heaven. 
c.  Intensity : 

1.  According  to  the  number  and  guilt  of  their 

sins. 

2.  Diminishing,    as    the     suffrages     of     the 

Faithful  help  them. 

3.  Always  great :    hence  the    Church's    zeal 

in  their  behalf, 
iv.  For  a  time : 

a.  According  to 

1 .  The  number  and  guilt  of  sins  to  be  atoned  for. 

2.  The  penances  and  sufferings  borne  for  them 

in  life. 

b.  Probably  very  long :  for, 

1.  Consider  the  infinite  sanctity  of  God. 

2.  Revelations  to  the  Saints  suggest  this. 

3.  The  Church  sanctions  Masses  in  perpetuity. 

4.  Our   selfishness   leads    us   to    think   souls 

released  sooner  than  they  probably  are. 

c.  Yet  only  for  a  time,  however  long,  while  Hell  is 

eternal, 
v.  On  account  of  sins : 

a.  Venial  sins  unforgiven  in  life ;  or, 

b.  Any  sins,  forgiven  but  not  atoned  for. 

Lessons: 

i.  Realize  well  all  that  Purgatory  implies, 
ii.  Resolve  to  avoid  the  causes  that  lead  to  it :  e.g. 

Mortal  and  venial  sin ;    tepidity  ;    want  of  self- 
denial,  etc. 
iii.  Help  the  souls  now  suffering;  for  the  sake  of 

a.  God  who  loves  and  longs  to  receive  them. 

b.  The    souls    themselves,   so    helpless    in    their 

sufferings. 

c.  Your  own  souls,  gaining  merit  and  mercy  thereby. 

FF 


480  SERMON  PLANS 


240.     FORGIVENESS  OF   INJURIES. 
"  Forgive  .  .  .  from  your  hearts."    Mth.  xviii.  35. 

i.  The    spirit   of    forgiveness    is   the    very   spirit  of 

Christianity. 

A  principle  unknown  in  the  pagan  world, 
ii.  If  we  are  true  disciples  of  Christ,  we  must  show 
this  spirit. 

Forgiveness  of  Injuries : 
i.  Lesson  often  taught  by  Our  Lord: 

"Till  seventy  times  seven  times."     Mth.  xviii.  22. 
"Forgive,  and  you  shall  be  forgiven."     Lke.  vi.  37. 

ii.  Example  set  by  Him  on  the  Cross. 
"Father,  forgive  them."     Lke.  xxiii.  34. 

iii.  Yet  some  refuse  to  pardon  even  small  offences. 

Sapricius  to  S.  Nicephorus  :  Feb.  9. 
iv.  Unless  we  forgive,  the  "  Our  Father "  becomes  a 
mockery  on  our  lips. 

11  Forgive  us  .  .  .  as  we  forgive." 
v.  To  be  perfect,  forgiveness  must  be 

a.  Promptly  given. 

Injuries,  like  wounds,  more  easily  heal  when 
seen  to  at  once. 

b.  From  the  heart  (as  Our   Lord  requires  in  this 

parable). 

vi.  To  flesh  and  blood,  perhaps,  hard ;  to  divine  grace 
easy :  for, 

"  I  can  do  all  things  in  Him  who  strengtheneth  me."     Phil, 
iv.  13- 

Motives : 

i.  God  forgives  us,  when  we  humbly  repent,  and  ask 

His  pardon, 
ii.  It  is  an  absolute  condition  for  obtaining  His  mercy  : 

Mth.  vi.  15. 
a.  To  show  the  greatness  of  His  favour — pardon 

of  sin. 
\Vhich  He  will  not  grant,  without  a  condition. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  481 

b.  To  remove  our  reluctance  to  forgive,  by  pro- 

mising pardon. 

c.  To  maintain  Charity,  the  great  precept  of  the 

Gospel. 

d.  To  crush  our  pride,  showing  how  criminal  is 

ill-will. 

iii.  We  are  all  brothers,  having  the  same  Father  in 
Heaven. 

Now  brothers  must  love  and  forgive  each  other, 
iv.  The  Saints  have  thus  acted  : 

S.  Stephen  :  Acts  vii.  59. 

S.  Nicephorus :  Feb.  9. 

S.John  Gualbert :  Jly.  12. 
v.  It  tends  to  reconciliation  and  friendship, 
vi.  It  gives  efficacy  to  prayer. 

"  If  Stephen  had  not  prayed,  the  Church  would  not  have  had 
Paul."    S.Aiig. 

vii.  If  our  neighbour  do  not  seem  to  deserve  pardon, 
God  is  worthy  that  we  should  grant  it  for  His  sake, 
viii.  Creation  around  us  gives  us  examples.* 

Means  to : 

i.  Meditate  on  the  example  of  our  Lord  on  the  Cross. 
He  prayed  aloud  for  His  enemies,  that  we  might 

have  His  example, 
ii.  Worthy  reception  of  the  Holy  Eucharist : 

"  Two   persons  united   to  a  third    should  be  united  to  each 
other."     S.  Cyp. 

iii.  Remember  the  justice  of  God,  and  leave  the  matter 
with  Him. 

"  Revenge  to  Me,  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord."  Rom.  xii.  19. 
iv.  Ever  keep  the  thought  of  Death  before  you. 

"  Remember  thy  last  things,  and  let  enmity  cease."     Ecclus. 
xxviii.  6. 


*  The  more  we  strike  (dig)  the  earth,  the  more  fruitful  it  is — We 
cut  and  prune  the  vine,  and  it  brings  forth  more  leaves  and  fruit — The 
dog  will  turn,  and  lick  the  hand  that  chastises  it — Though  the  animal 
is  beaten  by  man,  it  does  not  cease  to  labour  for  him — We  often  offend 
our  guardian  angels,  yet  they  do  not  leave  our  side — Shall  we  then 
refuse  to  pardon  an  injury? 


482  SERMON  PLANS 


241.     FOUNTAINS  OF   HAPPINESS, 
i.  Man  naturally  and  necessarily  seeks  happiness :  e.g. 
Money-making,  for  daily  needs,  or  future  wants. 
Travelling,  for  business,  health  or  pleasure. 
Studying,  in  any  branch  of  learning. 
Even  sinning,  and  breaking  God's  Law. 
ii.  Happiness,   the    problem    of    the    Wise,  from  the 

beginning. 

Never  solved  by  them,  nor  its  source  ever  found. 
iii.  It  needed  Divine  Wisdom  to  come  and  teach  us. 

a.  Christ  laid  down  eight  principles,  as  sources  of 

happiness :  viz. 

b.  The     eight    Beatitudes,    subject     of     to-day's 

Gospel. 

The  Beatitudes : 

i.  Great  founts  of  happiness  to  men,  though  paradoxes 
to  the  world. 

a.  Given  in  love  on  the  Mount,  in  the  New  Law : 

Mth.  v. 

b.  As  the  Commandments  were  in  fear  on  Sina,  in 

the  Old  Law :  Ex.  xx. 
ii.  Eight  in  number :  viz. 

a.  Poverty  of  spirit : 

1.  Detachment  from  the  things  of  the  world. 

2.  Like  the  early  Christians :  Acts  iv.  34. 

b.  Meekness : 

1.  Preventing  or  moderating  anger. 

2.  Moses :  Our  Lord  :  S.  Francis  of  Sales. 

c.  Mourning: 

1.  Sorrow  over  sin,  and  the  want  of  love. 

2.  Elias:  Jeremias:  Our  Lord,  over  Jerusalem. 

d.  Thirst  for  Justice: 

1.  Yearning  for  perfection,  and  the  conversion 

of  sinners. 

2.  The  holy  men  of  old  :  Holy  Simeon  :  The 

Saints. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  483 

e.  Mercifulness  : 

1.  Compassion  and  sympathy  in  active  form. 

2.  The  Saints  relieving  all  forms  of  suffering. 
/.  Cleanness  of  heart : 

1.  Purity  of  mind   and    body,  according  to 

one's  state. 

2.  S.Thomas  of  Aquin :  the  Virgins :  S.Monica. 
g.  Peace/illness  : 

1.  The  soul  at  rest  with  God  and  man,  through 

subjection  of  the  passions. 

2.  Our  Lord,  in  the  Incarnation :  the  Popes,  as 

peacemakers. 
h.  Patience  : 

1.  Amid  trials  for  God,  or  Religion. 

2.  Our  Lord,  in  His  Passion :  The   Martyrs 

and  Confessors, 
iii.  Connected  with  each  other,  as  links  in  a  chain. 

Each  being  a  step  towards  the  greater  perfection  of 

the  next, 
iv.  In  their  perfection,  a  matter  of  counsel  only  :  e.g. 

Not  all  men  are  asked  to  sacrifice  their  goods.    But, 
v.  To  some  degree,  of  precept  for  all,  to  the  extent  of 

avoiding  mortal  sin  :  e.g. 
All  must  be  so  detached  from  things  of  earth,  as 

to  avoid  avarice. 

vi.  A  two-fold  blessing  on  each,  temporal  and  eternal, 
vii.  Whoso  seeks  happiness  must  look  for  it  in  these  sources, 
viii.  As  their  observance  languishes  or  flourishes  in  the 

Church,  so  too  does  the  Church  herself, 
ix.  In  revivals  of  Faith,  inspiration  is  drawn  from  these, 
as  in  the  days  of  S.  Francis  of  Assisi,  S.  Vincent 
of  Paul,  etc. 

Learn  to  appreciate  and  practise  the  Beatitudes, 
i.  Thus  have  the  Saints  acted, 
ii.  Their  Feast  to-day  should  recall  their  example, 
iii.  Our  experience  will  then  be  true  happiness,  here  and 
hereafter. 


484  SERMON   PLANS 


242.      PERSECUTION    FOR  JUSTICE'  SAKE, 
i.  All    Saints'   Day  commemorates  the  glory  of    the 

Blessed  in  Heaven, 
ii.  The  practice  of   the  Beatitudes,  a  chief  means  by 

which  they  gained  it. 

iii.  As  we  cannot  study   them   all,   take   the  last,  on 
persecution,  because : 

a.  It  was  the  lot  of  most  of  them,  especially  the 

Martyrs:  and, 

b.  We  are  all  more  or  less  subject  to  it. 

Persecution : 

i.  From  the  Latin — to  pursue,  to  follow  up. 
ii.  The  trials  of  any  kind  that  dog  our  steps  through  life 
Poverty  and  Want. 
Sickness  and  Suffering. 
Annoyances  from  neighbours. 
Opposition  to  good. 
Worry  and  Anxiety. 
Temptation. 
The  evil  tongues  of  men. 

For  Justice: 

i.  When  inflicted  on   us,  through   hatred  of   God  or 

Religion;  or, 
ii.  If  the  result  of  obedience  to  the  commands  of  God 

or  His  Church  ;  or, 

iii.  When  borne  for  God's  love  and  in  resignation  :  e.g. 
iv.  They  suffer  persecution  for  Justice,  who 

a.  Defend  at  any  cost  Catholic  faith  and  virtue. 

b.  Cling  to  God  and  His  Law,  despite  all. 

c.  Bear  reviling,  calumny  and  ill-repute  for  God. 

d.  Lay  down  their  lives  for  His  glory. 
v.  Examples : 

Abel  from  Cain :  Gen.  iv.  8. 

Joseph  from  his  brethren  :  Gen.  xxxvii. 

The  Apostles:  Acts  v.  41. 

The  Martyrs  and  Confessors. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  485 


Blessed :  because  persecution 
i.  Helps  to  detach  us  from  the  world,  and  unite  us  to 

God. 

ii.  Makes  us  resemble  our  divine  Master, 
iii.  Is  fruitful  in  results :  e.g. 

Our  Lord's  Passion  brought  man's  salvation. 

S.  Stephen's  death,  Saul's  conversion  :  Acts  vii.  59. 
iv.  Is  a  means  to  rapid  progress  in  virtue, 
v.  Often  obtains  even  the  visible  protection  of  God  :  e.g. 

S.  Martina,  amid  the  flames  :  Jan.  30. 

S.  Prisca,  the  lions  at  her  feet :  Jan.  18. 

S.  Januarius,  in  the  amphitheatre:  Sept.  19. 

S.  Daria,  protected  by  a  lion  :  Oct.  25. 

The  Kingdom  of  Heaven :  where 
i.  For  tribulation  shall  be  given  joy. 
ii.  For  oppression,  triumph, 
iii.  For  humiliation,  glory, 
iv.  For  temporal  death,  eternal  life. 

Lessons : 

i.  Wherever  the  Church  is  persecuted,  there  she  shows 

vigour  and  progress. 

So  with  courageous  souls  within  the  Church, 
ii.  S.  Francis  Borgia  said  three  things  would  preserve 
the  Jesuit  Order : 

a.  Love  of  study ; 

b.  Mutual  Charity ;  and, 

c.  Persecution  and  opposition  (which  S.  Ignatius 

had  prayed  for). 

iii.  If  therefore  you  have  a  share  in  trial,  murmur  not, 
but  rejoice  to  be  accounted  worthy  to  suffer  for 
Christ. 

iv.  Fear  not  persecution,  but  place  your  trust  in  God. 
v.  Pray  for  those  who  persecute  you. 
"Bless,  and  curse  not,"     Rom.  xii,  14. 


486  SERMON  PLANS 


243-     THE   USE  OF   IMAGES,   ETC. 

"Whose  image  .  .  .  is  this?"     Mth.  xxii.  20. 
i.  Our  Lord  argues  from  an  image,  to  the  respect  due 

to  the  one  it  represents. 

ii.  The  use  of  images  in  the  Church  often  misunderstood. 
Hence  a  useful  subject  to  study. 

Images  and  Pictures: 

i.  Prints   or    paintings,   representing   some    Christian 
truths,  etc. :  e.g. 

The  Nativity  of  Our  Lord. 

The  Death  of  S.  Stephen. 

The  "  Stations  "  of  the  Cross, 
ii.  Honoured  by  the  Church  from  the  beginning. 

a.  In  the  Catacombs  (especially,  the  "  Shepherd  " 

and  the  "  Lamb  "). 

b.  Cautiously  at  first : 

1 .  Because  the  heathens  little  understood  them. 

2.  Lest  persecutors  should  profane  them. 

iii.  Whatever  is  holy  deserves  some  degree  of  veneration, 
iv.  The  world  honours  its  great  ones  by  photographs 

and  paintings. 

v.  We  honour  similarly  images   and   statues  of   Our 
Lord  and  His  Saints. 

The  greater  the  person,  the  higher  the  honour. 
vi.  With  a  relative  honour  only ; 

a.  Not  for  their  own  sakes  or  intrinsic  merit. 

b.  But  as  referring  to  those  we  venerate  absolutely. 

c.  As  reminding  us  of  their  virtues  and  good  works. 

d.  An  encouragement  for  us  to  imitate  them. 

vii.  God  has  approved  of  honour  shown  to  inanimate 

things:  e.g. 

Miracle  in  the  prophet's  tomb:  4  Kgs.  xiii.  21. 
The  hem  of  Our  Lord's  garment :  Mth.  ix.  21. 
Cloths  from  S.  Paul's  body:  Acts  xix.  12. 


OAT  THE   GOSPELS  487 


viii.  The  Church  is  the  guardian  of  the  deposit  of  Faith : 
fl.  She  encourages  this  reverence  and  devotion. 
b.  But  will  not  tolerate  excess  or  error  herein. 
ix.  Truly  called  "  books  of  the  ignorant." 

King  Bogoris.* 

x.  The  Iconoclasts,  8th  c.,  set  themselves  against  the 
religious  use  of  pictures  and  statues,  and  des- 
troyed them  in  churches. 

Yet  rightly  understood,  honour  to  such  would  not 
be  condemned. 

Honoured  by : 

i.  Burning  lights  before  them, 
ii.  Praying  before  (not  to)  them. 

The  "  Holy  Man  of  Tours."f 
iii.  Especially   imitating    the    virtues    of     those    they 

represent. 
The  first  and  really  true  way  of  honouring  them. 

Lessons : 

i.  Have  some  pious  pictures  in  your  home, 
ii.  Teach  your  children  to  understand  and  truly  venerate 
them. 


*  King  Bogoris  (gth  c.)  asked  S.  Methodius  to  paint  him  such 
a  picture  as  would  inspire  terror  in  all  who  beheld  it.  The  Saint 
represented  the  last  Judgment  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  King  was 
deeply  moved  on  seeing  it,  and  still  more  so,  when  the  subject  was 
fully  explained  to  him.  He  even  asked  to  be  instructed  in  the 
mysteries  of  Religion,  and  received  Baptism  shortly  after. — Butler. 

t  Leon  Dupont,  known  as  the  "Holy  Man  of  Tours"  (ob.  1876), 
had  the  greatest  devotion  to  the  Holy  Face  of  Christ,  a  faithful 
reproduction  of  the  veil  of  S.  Veronica.  Before  a  large  picture  of  it 
in  his  room,  a  lamp  was  ever  burning  night  and  day.  God  showed 
His  approval  of  the  devotion,  by  numerous  miracles  and  graces  obtained 
in  answer  to  prayers  offered  before  it. 


488  SERMON  PLANS 


244.     GOD  AND  C,ESAR. 

"To  Ca%sar  the  things  that  are  Cn-sar's ;  to  God  the  things  that  are 

God's."     Mth.  xxii.  21. 

i.  God  and  Caesar  represent  the  two- fold   authority 
ruling  the  world. 

a.  Ecclesiastical  power  in  the  Church : 

b.  Civil  power  in  the  State. 

ii.  Both  are  from  God,  hence  holy  and  not  opposed, 
iii.  To  each  we  owe  and  must  pay  certain  duties :  viz. 

To  Caesar  the  things  of  Caesar : 
i.  Obedience  to  civil  authorities : 

a.  Such  is  the  will  of  God  and  the  divine  precept. 

"Let  every  soul  be  subject  to  higher  powers."  Rom.  xiii.  I. 

b.  They-are  the  ministers  of  God:  v.  1,4. 

c.  They  have  authority  and  power  to  punish  :   v.  4. 

d.  God  threatens  such  as  disobey  them  :  v.  2. 

e.  The  right  to  impose  tribute  implies  subjection. 
/.  Christian  Charity  requires  us  to  honour  men, 

according  to  their  rank  and  position  :  v.  7. 
ii.  Payment  of  taxes : 

a.  These  a  state  has  the  right  to  impose ;  for, 

1.  Its  authority  extends  to  all  that  concerns 

its  general  welfare. 

2.  The  common  welfare  requires  subjects  to 

bear  the  state  burdens. 

b.  Hence  we  are  bound  to  pay  them,  according  to 

our  means. 
"To  all  men  their  dues,  tribute  to  whom  tribute."     v.  7. 

c.  As  a  matter  of  justice  and  conscience :  v .  5. 

Conscience  Money.* 

To  God  the  things  of  God : 
i.  Internal  Duties :  e.g. 
a.  Faith  : 

i.  Submission  of  the  Intellect  to  Revelation, 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  489 


2.  Learning  the  truths  He  has  taught. 

3.  Making  acts  of  Faith. 

b.  Hope : 

1.  Unshaken  trust  in  God. 

2.  Proving   this   confidence    by   prayer   and 

resignation. 

3.  Making  acts  of  Hope. 

c.  Charity : 

1.  Sincere  love  of  God  above  all  things. 

2.  Doing  all  for  God  through  pure  intention. 

3.  Suffering  all,  rather  than  offend  Him  by  sin. 

4.  Including  love  of  our  neighbour,  for  God's 

sake, 
ii.  External  Duties :  e.g. 

a.  Daily  prayer. 

b.  Mass  on  Sundays  and  Holidays. 

1.  Highest  form  of   worship  of   creature  to 

Creator. 

2.  Hence  its  obligation  by  the  Church. 

3.  Under  pain  of  mortal  sin. 

Unless  excused  by  valid  cause. 

4.  With  all  reverence  and  attention. 

c.  Frequentation  of  the  Sacraments. 

1.  Instituted  as  channels  of  grace,  hence  to 

be  used. 

2.  Once  a  year  at  least,  as  by  command  of 

the  Church. 

3.  Oftener,  according   to   her  wish,  and   our 

own  needs. 

4.  What  regrets  in  death,  for  negligence  in 

this! 

Conclusion  :  Respect  and  obey  these  two  Powers. 

They   are    as    two   wheels,  conveying   souls    to 
Heaven. 


*  Every  year  large  sums  of  money  are  secretly  remitted  to  the 
Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  restitution  of  unpaid  taxes,  and  termed 
"  conscience  money." 


496  SERMON  PLANS 


245.     THREE   DEGREES   OF  SPIRITUAL 
DEATH. 

i.  We  read  of  only  three  persons  restored  to  life  by 
Our  Lord : 

a.  The  ruler's  daughter:  Mth.  ix.  25. 

b.  The  widow's  son:  Lke.  vii.  15. 

c.  And  Lazarus :  Jn.  xi.  44. 

ii.  They  typify  three  states  of  spiritual  death  in  the  soul: 

The  Ruler's  Daughter: 

i.  Quite  a  child  (12  years  old),  who  had  just  died, 
ii.  Our  Lord  simply  took  her  by  the  hand,  and  she  arose, 
iii.  Type  of  the  soul,  falling  into  a  first  or  second  mortal 
sin. 

a.  More  through  weakness  than  malice. 

b.  Easily  moved  to  repentance  and  sorrow. 

c.  Grace  needs  little  effort  to  lead  it  back  to  God. 

Exemplified   by  Our   Lord's   simple   act,  in 

raising  the  child. 

iv.  Yet  even  one  mortal  sin  may  damn  a  soul  for  eternity. 
We  cannot  doubt,  but  that  many  are  in  Hell  for  a 

first  mortal  sin. 

v.  Hence  every  mortal  sin  must  be  strenuously  resisted. 
Especially  a  first  one,  which  so  easily  leads  to 
others. 

The  Widow's  Son: 

i.  A  young  man,  being  already  carried  out  to  the  grave, 
ii.  In  this  case,  Our  Lord 

a.  Bade  the  mother  be  comforted. 

b.  Then  went  and  touched  the  bier. 

c.  Spoke  to  the  dead,  and  bade  him  arise. 

iii.  Type  of  souls  plunged  into  the  habit  of  sin  :  e.g. 

Drunkenness,  impurity,  neglect  of  religion. 
iv.  Habits  of  sin  strengthen  the  chains  of  evil  round  a 
soul. 

Soon  leading  it  to  total  indifference  to  salvation. 


ON  THE  GOSPELS  491 

v.  Such  souls  require  more  powerful  grace  for  repent- 
ance. 

a.  Exemplified  by  Our  Lord's  greater  action. 

b.  But  no  such  grace  is  anywhere  promised. 

vi.  With  what  care  therefore  must  we  guard  against 
the  habit  of  any  sin — habit  so  hard  to  cure. 

Lazarus : 

i.  Already  four  days  in  the  tomb, 
ii.  Further  outward  display  on  the  part  of  Our  Lord : 

a.  He  has  the  stone  removed  from  over  the  tomb. 

b.  He  wept  tears  over  His  friend's  death. 

c.  He  raises  His  eyes  to  Heaven,  and  prays  to  the 

Father ;  and, 

d.  With  a  loud  voice,  He  commands  Lazarus  to 

come  forth, 
hi.  Type  of  a  soul  hardened  in  sin  : 

a.  Seared  over,  as  with  wax. 

b.  Grace  can  effect  no  entrance  to  it. 

c.  Even  the  faith  seems  lost. 

iv.  Here   too   very   efficacious    graces   are   needed    for 

repentance. 
Such  graces,  however,  God  has  not  promised  to 

give, 
v.  Souls  in  this  state  are  exposed  to  the  imminent  danger 

of  damnation. 
For,  even  the  visible  approach  of  death  does  not 

terrify  them, 
vi.  Yet,  even  here,  pardon  may  be  had,  and  the  soul 

revive. 
We  must  never  therefore  despair  of  any  sinner. 

Lessons : 

i.  Though  there  be  degrees  in  sin,  even  one  mortal  sin 

means  death  to  the  soul, 
ii.  There  is.no  evil  so  terrible,  as  that  of  a  soul  in  mortal 

sin. 
iii.  Pray  therefore  to  God  to  preserve  you  from  so  great 

a  danger, 
iv.  If  you  do  fall  into  sin,  make  an  act  of  contrition,  and 

hasten  to  holy  Confession. 


492  SERbfON  PLANS 


246.     DEVOTION   TO  THE  SOULS   IN 
PURGATORY. 

"Come,  lay  Thy  hand  upon  her."     Mth.  ix.  18. 
i.  However  valuable  the  corporal  works  of  mercy,  the 

spiritual  are  more  so. 
Our    Lord    ever    showed   this,    throughout   His 

missionary  career, 
ii.  Among  spiritual  works  of  mercy  is  prayer  for  the 

dead. 
A  practice  older  than  Christianity  itself :  2  Mach. 

xii.  43. 
iii.  See  three  motives  for  this  devotion,  so  appropriate 

to  November : 

Figuratively,  taking  the   dead   by  the  hand,  i.e. 
coming  to  their  aid. 

I.  The  glory  of  God: 

i.  God  longs  for  the  souls  in  Purgatory  to  come  to  Him. 
For  Him  were  they  made,  and  for  Him  alone,  as 

their  end. 
ii.  Yet  God  Himself  cannot  release  them  from  their 

temporary  prison ;  for, 
His  Justice  requires  full  atonement  to  be  made  to 

Him. 

iii.  But  we,  by  our  suffrages,  can  hasten  their  release ;  and 
iv.  God  is  thereby  intensely  glorified : 

a.  Crowning  His  own  gifts  to  those  souls. 

b.  The  Cross  of  Christ  triumphs  in  them. 

c.  The  bountiful  harvest  of  the  Passion  is  multi- 

plied in  them. 
v.  Thus  is  Purgatory  a  field,  white  for  the  harvest  of 

God's  glory;  and, 

This  is  one  of  the  highest  motives  of  action  we 
can  have. 

II.  The  benefit  of  the  Holy  Souls: 

i.  The  souls  in  Purgatory  are  still  separated  from  God. 
ii.  Yet  they  long  for  Him  with  intense  yearning. 

Comparison  of  the  meteor.* 
iii.  But  they  can  do  nothing  now  for  their  own  relief ;  for, 

a.  The  time  of  merit  has  for  them  passed  away ;  and 

b.  They  are  therefore  helpless  amid  their  pains. 


ON     THE  GOSPELS  493 

iv.  We  can  aid  them  by  our  suffrages, 
v.  What,  then,  can  be  a  greater  charity  in  us,  than 

a.  To  assist  those  who  cannot  assist  themselves  ? 

b.  To  relieve  a  neighbour  of  most  grievous  torment  ? 

c.  To  clothe  him  with  the  garment  of  glory  in 

Heaven  ? 

vi.  Illustration  of   the  doctrine  of   the  Communion  of 
Saints. 

III.  Our  own  advantage: 

i.  Every  good  work  done  for  God  is  meritorious  of 

reward :  Mth.  x.  42. 

ii.  Our  charity  to  these  souls  gains  intercessors  for  us 
in  Heaven ;  for, 

a.  They  cannot  remain  ungrateful  for  the  mercy 

we  show  them. 

b.  They  will  repay  us  by  their  prayers  in  return, 
iii.  When   our    day   of    tribulation    arrives,   God   will 

inspire  others  to  give  us  their  suffrages  in  like 
manner :  Mth.  v.  7. 

iv.  This  charitable  practice  powerfully  influences  our 
spiritual  life :  e.g. 

a.  Of  its  nature,  hidden,  it  leads  to  the  interior 

spirit. 

b.  It  produces  unselfishness  and  sympathy. 

c.  It  inspires  the  horror  and  fear  of  sin. 

v.  Such  advantages,  no  small  help  towards  avoiding 
Purgatory  ourselves. 

Means  to  help  the  Holy  Souls : 

i.  Offering  for  them  Mass  and  Holy  Communion. 
ii.  Gaining  Indulgences  in  their  favour. 

Each  day  of   November,  choose  some  soul  you 
will  try  to  relieve. 

*  A  meteoric  body,  flying  through  space,  rushes  towards  the  earth, 
at  a  terrific  rate,  unimpeded  till  it  enters  the  atmosphere  of  our  planet. 
Then  its  motion  is  checked,  and  the  friction  produced  raises  the  body 
to  an  intense  heat,  because  of  the  impetuosity  of  its  flight,  and  because 
that  flight  is  resisted  by  the  atmosphere.  So,  when  the  soul  leaves  the 
body,  it  finds  itself  within  the  circle  of  God's  attraction,  impelled 
towards  Him  with  the  utmost  violence :  but  if  there  be  even  venial 
faults  upon  it,  they  will  act  like  the  atmosphere  on  the  meteor, 
impeding  its  union  with  God,  till  the  soul  burns  with  unsatisfied 
desires,  and  all  trace  of  sin  is  at  last  purged  away. — Vaughan. 


494  SERMON  PLANS 


247.     SIGNS   PRECEDING   THE   LAST 
JUDGMENT. 

i.  The  General  Judgment  will  follow  the  end  of  time. 
The  Church,  at  the  end  of  the  Ecclesiastical  year, 

reads  us  the  account  of  it. 
ii.  When  the  last  day  may  come,  no  one  knows :  Mth. 

xxiv.  36. 
iii.  Yet  the  Scriptures  clearly  announce  signs  that  shall 

precede  it. 

iv.  Consideration  of  some  of  them  should  inspire  fear 
and  awe. 

Signs  of  the  Last  Day : 

i.  The  preaching  of  the  Gospel  to  the  whole  world. 

"  This  Gospel  shall  he  preached  in  the  whole  world." 
Mth.  xxiv.  14. 

a.  The  New  Law  is  for  all  nations:  Mrk.  xvi.  15. 

While  the  Mosaic  Law  was  for  the  Jews  only. 

b.  Not  necessary  that  the  Gospel  be  received  by 

every  individual. 

c.  Sufficient  that  it  be  preached,  as  a  testimony 

throughout  the  world. 

ii.  Conversion  of  the  Jews  (facilitated  by  their  marvel- 
lous preservation). 

"  I  will   make   a   new  covenant   with    the   house  of  Israel." 

Jer.  xxxi.  31. 
"At  that  time  shall  thy  people  be  saved."     Dan.  xii.  I. 

iii.  False  prophets  shall  arise. 

"  Many  false  prophets  shall  rise  and  shall  seduce  many." 
Mth.  xxiv.  n. 

a.  Ministers  of   Satan,  teaching  error  and   false 

doctrine. 

b.  Leading  many  from  the  truth  and  the  service 

of  God. 
iv.  Wars,  famine  and  pestilences : 

"  You  shall  hear  of  wars  and  rumours  of  wars."    Mth.  xxiv.  6. 
"There  shall  be  pestilences  and  famines."     Mth.  xxiv.  7. 

Yet  will  men  continue  to  sin,  as  before  the  deluge: 

Mth.  xxiv.  37. 
v.  Antichrist,  "  the  man  of  sin,"  will  appear. 

a.  Probably  a  Jew,  proud,  cruel  and  voluptuous. 


ON   THE  GOSPELS  495 


b.  A  sinner  and  persecutor,  claiming  divine  honour : 

2  Thess.  ii.  4. 

c.  Working  signs  and  lying  wonders :  2  Thess.  ii.  9. 

d.  Author   of  a  great   apostasy  from  the   faith : 

Dan.  vii.  25. 

e.  Will  raise  a  persecution  against  the  elect ;  and 
/.  Will  subdue  the  world,  and  reign  in  Jerusalem 

3^  years:  Dan.  vii.  25. 
vi.  Return  of  Elias  to  the  earth :  Mai.  iv.  5. 

Preaching  faith  and  repentance — a  last  grace  to  men . 
vii.  Then  probably  a  few  years  of  peace  to  the  Church, 
viii.  Finally,  signs  in  the  Heavens : 

a.  The  Sun  will  be  darkened. 

1.  Not  through  the  light  ceasing;  but 

2 .  By  densest  clouds  intercepting  its  rays :  as  in 

The  darkness  in  Egypt :  Ex.  x.  22. 
The  darkness  at  the  Crucifixion :  Mth. 
xxvii.  45. 

b.  The  Moon  will  refuse  its  light. 

Because    dependent   on    the   sun's    light    for 
its  own. 

c.  Implying  the  general  disturbance  of  nature,  at 

the  approach  of  the  awful  day,  that  will  seal 
the  doom  of  men. 

ix.  Well  may  tribulation  and  awe  seize  mankind, 
especially  the  wicked,  on  witnessing  such  terrible 
scenes ! 

x.  Then  will  the  dead  arise  from  their  graves,  and  the 
Son  of  Man  appear  to  judge  them. 

Lessons : 

i.  If  such  marvels  prepare  the  way,  how  terrible  must 

the  Judgment  itself  be  ! 

ii.  Take  to  heart  the  lessons  they  are  intended  to  teach, 
iii.  Meditate  now  on  the  terrors  of  that  day,  and  you 

will  not  fear  it  then.* 
iv.  Such    serious   thought,   a    safeguard    against   sin : 

Ecclus.  vii.  40. 

*  Ven.  Bede  tells  us  that  St.  Cedda,  when  he  heard  the  thunders 
rolling,  used  to  throw  himself  on  the  ground,  and  call  on  God    for 
mercy  ;    for  the   howling   of  the  tempest    put    him    in  mind   of   the 
cries  of  despair  poor  sinners  will  utter  at  the  last  day  ! 
GG 


496  SERMON  PLANS 


248.     THE   CROSS   OF   CHRIST. 

"Then  shall  appear  the  Sign  of  the  Son  of  Man."    Mth.  xxiv.  30. 
i.  The  Cross  of   Christ  will  precede  His  coming    in 
judgment : 

a.  A  glory  to  Himself. 

b.  A  joy  to  the  Elect. 

c.  A  terror  to  the  Wicked  : 

ii.  Consider  the  Cross  in  this  three-fold  aspect. 

I.  A  glory  to  Christ : 

i.  On  the  Cross,  Our  Lord  died  in  ignominy ;  for, 

a.  Crucifixion   was   a    punishment,   reserved    for 

slaves  and  malefactors. 

b.  Almost  unknown  among  the  Jews,  except  under 

foreign  yoke, 
ii.  The  punishment  was  as  painful,  as  it  was  disgraceful. 

a.  Criminals  often  lingered  for  days,  amid  intense 

suffering. 

b.  Our  Lord's  agonies  on  the  Cross  extreme,  in 

mind  and  body. 

iii.  Thus  was  the  Cross  the  humiliation  of  our  Redeemer. 
The  crowning  event  of  a  life  of  ignominy  and 

suffering. 

iv.  In  Christian  times,  it  came  to  be  honoured  in  the 
world : 

a.  Worn  on  the  person,  as  a  badge. 

b.  Planted  on  Churches  and  religious  buildings. 

c.  Used  in  art,  under  every  form. 

d.  Forbidden  by  Constantine,  as  an  instrument  of 

death. 

v.  On  the  Judgment-day,  it  will  appear  more  brilliant 
than  the  sun. 

a.  No  longer  an  object  of  disgrace,  but  of  glory. 

b.  A  magnificent  trophy  of  Christ,  who  died  on  it. 
f.  A  justification  of  His  sentence  on   the  wicked, 

who  despised  it. 


ON   THE   GOSPELS  497 


II.  A  comfort  to  the  Just: 

i.  The  Cross  symbolizes  self-denial  and  the  trials  of 

life :  Mth.  x.  38 :  xvi.  24. 
ii.  The  Just  all  have  trials  to  bear :  e.g.  from 

a.  God :  as  in  sickness  and  death. 

b.  Devil :  as  in  temptations  and  delusions. 

c.  Man :  injustice  and  persecution. 

d.  Nature  :  storms,  events  in  life. 

e.  Themselves :  from  vanity,  etc. 

iii.  They  bore  their  cross  in  patience  and  resignation. 

a.  Conformed  to  their  Saviour,  bearing  it  after  Him. 

b.  Making  it  even  an  object  of  their  desires,  like 

S.  Andrew. 

c.  Proving   their    love   to    be   most   intense    and 

effective. 

iv.  Hence  will  the  Cross  become  to  them  a  comfort  and 
a  joy.     For, 

a.  They  will  see  in  it  the  cause  of  their  salvation ; 

and 

b.  They  will    approach    it  with    confidence    and 

yearning. 

III.  A  terror  to  the  Wicked. 

"These    seeing    it    shall    be   troubled   with   terrible    fear." 
Wisd.  v.  2. 

i.  In  life,  they  hated  the  Cross  and  all  it  implies. 

Pain  embittered  their  hearts,  and  adversity  hardened 

them, 
ii.  They  denied  themselves  no  pleasure,  gratifying  every 

desire. 

iii.  Perhaps  they  dishonoured  even  the  Crucifix  itself, 
iv.  How  do  they  now  fear  the  Cross,  dazzling  in  beauty 

and  glory, 
v.  In  awe  and  terror,  they  await   their  doom — eternal 

separation  from  God,  and  from  the  joys  of  His 

Kingdom. 


498  SERMON  PLANS 


Lessons : 

i.  At   the    end    of  the  ecclesiastical  year  to-day,  the 

Gospel  recalls  the  great  event  of  the  end  of  time 

— the  Cross  of  Christ  in  judgment, 
ii.  Keep  this    solemn   truth   ever  before   your  mind : 

Ecclus.  vii.  40. 
iii.  Accept  through  life  all  that  the  Cross  implies. 

The  royal  road  of  the  Cross  brings  peace  here, 

glory  hereafter, 
iv.  Love  and    honour  the  Cross,  even  in  its  material 

form,  in  your  homes. 
v.  Loving  the  Cross  now,  you  will  not  fear,  but  welcome, 

it  at  the  last. 


FINIS. 


INDEX    RERUM. 


PAGE 

Abuse  of  Grace             ....  74 

"  Acceptable  Time "     .                .                .                .  76 

Advent,  work  for           ....  2 

All  Saints       .....      234, 236 

Almsdeeds     .....  424 

Angels,  good .....  230 

„       bad    .....  232 

Anger             .....  120 

Ascension,  the               ....  376 

„          objects  of  .                .                .                .  128 

„          thoughts  on                 ...  126 

Assumption  of  B.V.       ....      186,  434 

Baptism,  effects  of                        .                .                .  166 

Baptist,  mission  of  the                 .                 .                 .  260 

Bearing  another's  burden             .                 .                 .  206 

Bethlehem,  Child  of     .                .                .                .  266 

Blindness  of  soul           ....  318 

Body,  resurrection  of   .                .                .                .  168 

Brazen  Serpent             ....  178 

Cassar  and  God             ....  488 

Calumny        .....  122 

Charity  .  .  .  .  .        72,  132 

„       two-fold  precept  of                         .                .  442 

Child  of  Bethlehem      ....  266 

Christ,  character  of,  three-fold  18 

„             „               four-fold     ...  20 

„      Cross  of             ....  496 

„      Death  of,  lessons  from     .                .                .  348 


500  INDEX  KERUM 


PAGE 

Christ,  Divinity  of                        .               .               .  462 

„     Good  Shepherd               .               .               .  358 

„      Hidden  Life  of.               .               .               .  288 

„      High  Priest       ....  90 

„      Humanity  of     .                .                .                .  464 

..      Humiliations  of               ...  96 

..      Humility  of                       .                .                .  94 

,,      Infancy  of                         .                .                .  272 

„      Our  Judge         •.  252 

„      Passion  of                         .                .                .  346 

„      Prophecy  as  to .                .                .                .  284 

„      Resurrection  of                ...  350 

..      Sadness  of                       .               .               .  342 

„      Testimony  to    .                .                .                .  378 

„      Transfiguration  of                            .                .  326 

„      Type  of,  Moses                .                .                .  196 

„      Redeemer          .                .                .                .  28 

„      Virtues  of          .                .                .                .  no 

Christmas,  preparation  for          .                .                .  262 

Church,  constitution  of               ...  40 

„       institution  of  .                .                .                .  402 

„       persecutions  of              ...  380 

„       unity  of                           .               .               .  360 

Civil  authority,  obedience  to      .               .               .  116 

Cockle  and  Wheat        ....  302 

Combat,  spiritual          ....  202 

Communion,  Holy        ....  334 

„            bad           .                                                .  144 

,,           effects  of                 ...  390 

„           excuses  against      .               .               .  394 

„           under  one  kind       .                .                .  142 

Company,  bad               ....  304 

Confidence  in  God        ....  362 

„  „      grounds  for    .  .  .      414,  416 

Confession      .....  448 

Conversion  of  the  Gentiles          ...  36 

Converts,  feast  of                         .                .                .  34 

Correspondence  with  grace         .               .               .  192 

Counsels,  apostolic       ....  48 


INDEX  RERUM  501 


PAGE 

Covetousness                 ....  82 

Cross  of  Christ              ....  496 

„     sign  of                 ...  242 

Cursing          .....  44 

Deaf  and  Dumb,  cure  of             ...  440 

Deafness  and  Dumbness,  spiritual             .                .  438 

Death             .....  366 

„     three  kinds  of                     .                .                .  454 

„     spiritual,  three  degrees  of                .                .  490 

„     of  Christ,  lessons  from      .                .                .  348 

Debts,  payment  of                        .                .                .  50 

Decalogue,  the              ....  52 

Delusions  about  Repentance      ...  84 

Detraction     .....  124 

Diseases,  spiritual         ....  256 

Divinity  of  Our  Lord  ....  462 

Drunkenness .....  228 

Earthly  things  uncertain 

Elect,  fewness  of  the    .... 

Enemies  of  the  Soul,  three 

Epistle  :  4th  of  Lent    .... 

,,        gth  after  Pentecost 
Evil,  existence  of 
Exclusive  salvation       .... 

Faith              .....  70 

,,     advantages  of                      .                .                .  296 

,,     unity  of                 ....  216 

Fasting           .....  324 

Fear  of  God                   ....  176 

Fervour  and  Tepidity                  ...  42 

Fewness  of  the  Elect    ....  472 

Fire,  tongues  of                            .                .                .  134 

Flight  into  Egypt         ....  280 

Forgiveness  of  Injuries                .                .                .  480 

Freedom  of  the  Children  of  God                 .                 .  88 

Fulness  of  time,  the      ....  22 


502  INDEX   RERUM 


PAGE 

Gentiles,  conversion  of                ...  36 

Gifts  of  God,  inequality  of                         .               .  312 

,,      Holy  Ghost     .  .  .  .184,  384 

..       the  Magi          ....  282 

God  and  Csesar             ....  488 

„    confidence  in        ....  414,416 

..    Creator  of  all        .               .               .               .  210 

„    favours  of,  to  His  People  6a 

„    fear  of   .               .               .               .               .  176 

..     gifts  of,  unequal    .                .                .                .  312 

..    grace  of                ....  190 

..     House  of              ...               .  426, 428 

„     Knowledge  of                       .                .                .  138 

..    our        „               .               .               .               .  248 

„    love  of,  effects  of  our          .               .               .  140 

„          „       length  of                   ...  212 

„          „      for  Man                     .                .                .  264 

„    presence  of           .               .               .               .  60, 164 

„    unity  of                 ....  198 

„    will  of    .               .               .               .               .  420 

Good  Works  .....  246,  418 

Gospel  Example :  4th  of  Lent     .                .  336 

Grace             .....  190 

„    abuse  of             ....  74 

„     correspondence  with         .                .                .  192 

„     workings  of                          .                .                 .  194 


Happiness,  fountains  of  .'  .  482 

Hatred  ...  148 

„  the  World's  .  .  .  .  .  H& 

Hearing  and  Speaking  .  .  .  "8 

Heart,  the  Sacred  ....  4°° 

Heaven  .  .  .  328 

,,  our  goal  .  374 

Hell  .  I7« 

Heresies  on  the  Incarnation  .  .  24 

Hidden  Life  of  Christ  288 

Holiness  of  life  .  .  '82 


INDEX  RERUM  503 


Holy  Ghost    .....  136 

„           devotion  to                ...  368 

„  gifts  of       .  .       184, 384 

„           receiving  the             .                .                .  382 

Holy  Innocents             ....  30 

Holy  Name     .....  276 

Holy  See,  devotion  to  .                .                .                .  156 

Home  in  God,  our        ....  160 

Hope  .  .  .  .  .8,71 

House  of  God                ....  428 

,,            beauty  of                ...  426 

Humanity  of  Our  Lord                .                .                .  464 

Human  respect              ....  14 

Humility         .  .  .  .  .150 

„       of  Our  Lord                   ...  94 

Humiliations  of  Our  Lord           ...  96 

Images,  use  of  .... 

Impurity         ..... 
Incarnation    ..... 
„          Heresies  on  ... 

Indulgences  ..... 
Infallibility,  Papal  .... 
Infancy  of  Christ  .... 

Injuries,  forgiveness  of  ... 

Innocents,  Holy  .... 

Intention,  purity  of 

Jesus,  Holy  Name  of  .  .  .  .  276 

,,  Sacred  Heart  of  ...  400 

John  Baptist,  mission  of              ...  260 

Joy  in  the  Lord  10 

,,  in  tribulation  ....  68 

Judgment,  General  ....  250 

„  „  signs  of  .  .  494 

„  Particular  .  .  .  238 

.,  rash  16 

Justice  of  the  Christian                .                .                .  410 


5o4  INDEX   RERUM 


PAGE 

Knowledge  in  God        .               .               .               .  138 

..        of  God,  our                 .               .               .  248 

Lepers'  Faith  and  Prayer           .               .               .  446 

Leprosy  of  Sin               ....  294 

Liberality      .....  240 

Life,  a  good    .....  26 

..    hidden,  of  Jesus    ....  288 

..    holiness  of            .               .               .               .  182 

„    human    .....  456 

,.    newness  of            .               .               .               .  104 

„    trials  of  ....      158,364 

Love  of  God,  effects  of  our         .               .               .  140 

„          length,  etc.  of                          .               .  212 

,,          for  man    ....  264 

Love  of  our  neighbour                ...  32 

Lying             .....  222 

Magi,  gifts  of  the           ....  282 

Marriage,  mixed            ....  290 

„         indissolnbility  of                           .                 .  292 

Mary,  titles  of               ....  436 

„    types  of                .               .               .  1 88 

Mass,  Holy    .....  396 

Meekness       .....  340 

Mercifulness                  ....  388 

Messiah,  prophecy  as  to              .               .               .  284 

Miracles         .....  254 

Mortal  Sin      .                .                .                                .  4 

Mortification                 .               .               .               .  174 

Moses,  type  of  Christ    ....  196 

Music  in  Church          ....  56 

Mustard  seed,  a  two-fold  type     .               .               .  308 

Name,  the  Holy             ....  276 

Nature,  study  of                          .               .               .  450 

Neighbours,  love  of                     .               .          f    .  32 

Newness  of  life             .               .               .               .  104 

New  Year,  thoughts  for  the         .                .                .  274 


INDEX    RERUM  505 


PAGE 

Obedience  to  Civil  Authority      .                .                .  116 

Occasions  of  Sin           ....  458 

Over-solicitude              ....  452 

Parables         .....  306 

„        Good  Samaritan            .                .                .  444 

„        Wedding  Garment        .                .                .  470 

Passion  of  Christ         ....  346 

Passions,  the                  ....  300 

,,        subduing       .                .                .                .  106 

Pastors,  support  of                       .                .                .  208 

Patience         .....  338 

Peace  of  God                ....  12 

Persecution  for  Justice                .                .                .  484 

,,          of  the  Church          .                .                .  380 

Perseverance                  ....  220 

Peter  and  Paul,  SS.      .                .                .                .  154 

Pharisee  and  Publican                 .                .                .  430 

Pilgrim,  the  Christian  .                .                .                .  114 

Pope,  the        .....  406 

,,     Infallible               ....  404 

Praise  and  Thanksgiving             .                .                .  218 

Prayer  .....       131, 370 

,,      for  each  other  ....  58 

„       qualities  of                         .                 .                 .  372 

Predestination               ....  244 

Presence  of  God  .  .  .  .60,  164 

„         Real               ....  392 

Pride               .....  432 

Promise  of  a  Redeemer               .                .                .  200 

Prophecy  of  Simeon    ....  270 

Providence     .....       152,414 

Prudence        .....  130 

Purgatory       .....  478 

,,        devotion  to  souls  in     .                .                .  492 

Purity  of  Intention       ....  54 

Qualities  of  Prayer      ....  372 

,,             Risen  Bodies              .                .                .  356 


5o6  INDEX  REKUM 


PAGE 

Rash  Judgment  16 

Reading,  spiritual         ....  6 

"  Reasonable  Service "                 ...  38 

Reconciliation               .               .               .               .  412 

Redeemer,  promise  of  a              .               .               .  200 

Relapse          .....  316 

Religious  Sects              ....  204 

Reparation  for  Sin        .                .                .                .  170 

Repentance,  delusions  about      ...  84 

Resignation   .....  344 

Resurrection  of  Our  Lord           .                .                .  350 

„          of  the  Body  168 

„          qualities  of  bodies  in  the      .               .  356 

,,          of  Our  Lord,  joy  of               .               .  352 

„                     „            pledge  of  triumph           .  102 

Revenge         .....  46 

Rosary,  sorrowful  mysteries  of  98 

Sacred  Heart                 ....  400 

Sacrifice,  necessity  of                   ...  92 

Sadness  of  Christ         ....  342 

Salvation,  exclusive      .                .                .                .  214 

Samaritan,  parable  of  the  Good                 .                .  444 

Sanctification  of  the  Soul            ...  78 

Scandal          .....  66 

Sects  in  Religion          ....  204 

See,  Holy,  devotion  to                .                .               .  156 

Self-examination           .                ..              .                .  320 

Self-knowledge              ....  258 

Serpent,  the  brazen      .                .                .                .  178 

Service  of  God,  call  to  the         .               .               .  310 

Servile  Work                 ....  460 

Sheep  and  men             .                .                .                .  112 

Shepherd,  the  Good     ....  358 

Sign  of  the  Cross          ....  242 

Simeon,  prophecy  of    .                .                .                .  270 

Sin,  leprosy  of              ....  294 

,,  mortal     .....  4 

„  occasions  of                           .                .                .  458 


INDEX  RERUM  507 


PAGE 

Sin,  reparation  for        ....  170 

„  venial      .....  476 

Sloth               .....  466 

Socialism       .....  224 

Sorrowful  Mysteries  of  the  Rosary            .                .  98 

Soul,  the  human            ....  398 

,,     sanctification  of  the           ...  78 

„     three  enemies  of  the           ...  64 

Souls  in  Purgatory,  devotion  to                 .                .  492 

Spiritual  Combat          ....  202 

Spiritual  Death,  three  degrees  of               .                .  490 

Spiritual  Reading         ....  6 

Standards,  the  two       ....  330 

Stewardship,  the           ....  422 

Storm,  the,  a  type        ....  298 

Study  of  Nature           ....  450 

Subduing  the  Passions                 .                .                .  106 

Sunday  observance       ....  354 


Temptation   .....  322 

Tepidity  and  Fervour  ....  42 

Testimony  to  Christ     ....  378 

Thanksgiving  and  Praise            .                .                .  218 

Theological  Virtues      .                .                .                .  70, 72 

Thomas  of  Canterbury,  S.           .                .                .  278 

Three  days'  Loss          ....  286 

Time               .....  226 

Titles  of  Mary              ....  436 

Tongues  of  fire             .                .                .                .  134 

Transfiguration,  the      ....  326 
Trials  of  Life                 ....       158, 364 

Trinity,  the  Blessed     ....  386 

Two-fold  precept  of  Charity       .                .                .  442 

Types  of  Mary               .                 .                 .                 .  188 

Uncertainty  of  earthly  things     .                 .                 .  408 

Unity,  Christian            ....  162 

„      of  the  Church    ....  360 


5o8  INDEX  RERUM 


PAGE 

Unity  of  Faith  ....  216 

„      of  God  ....  198 

Venial  Sin      .....  476 

Virtues,  the  theological  .  .  .          70, 72 

of  Christ  no 


Watchfulness  .  .  .  .  130 

Wedding  Garment,  parable  of  the  .  .  470 

Wheat  and  Cockle  ....  302 

Will  of  God  ....  420 

Witnesses,  the  three  ....  108 

Word,  hearers  of  the  .  .  .  .  314 

„  hearing  the  ....  332 

Words,  last,  on  the  Cross  .  .  .  100 
Works,  good  ....  246,418 

,,       servile               ....  460 

Year,  thoughts  for  the  New        .               .               .  274 


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